Transformation Realising Transformational Power

Transformation The Power Quiz

1. Which of the following do MPs not do? AVote on legislation BMeet regularly with constituents locally CHelp you take action on faulty goods D Help you get answers on various issues from Ministers

2. What is an Early Day Motion? ADaily morning procession through the House of Commons every morning BFirst daily vote in the Commons CA quasi petition MPs use to demonstrate concern on an issue in the Commons D First debate of the day in the Commons

3. How many times did government backbenchers rebel ? A20 per cent of voting divisions B30 per cent C10 per cent D15 per cent

4. How many MEP constituencies are there in the UK? A12 B78 C646 D785

5. Which is the biggest political grouping in the European Parliament? AThe Party of European Socialists BThe European People’s Party and European Democrats CThe Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe DGreen/European free Alliance

6. MEPs can do which of the following? Aamend & vote on legislation & policy Bapprove the appointment of the European Commission Capprove international agreements DAll of these

7. What is the Hassi report about? ANHS GP services BThe new European Agreements on trade with developing countries CAction on climate change by Europe DVoting corruption in MSP elections

Who should we lobby? MPs Members of Parliament MEPs Members of the European Parliament Members of the Scottish Parliament, Welsh National Assembly, Northern Ireland Assembly

Why bother? They have power which we want them to use You have power: they need your vote

Why bother with MEPs? MEPs can influence the policy of EU bloc which is the biggest aid donor in the world and a major trade partner for many developing countries They can vote on the climate and energy package They are up for re-election next year

We want MEPs to Vote for a Climate and Energy Package which includes 40 per cent emissions cuts by 2020; and EU financing for developing countries to reduce emissions, and develop cleanly Press the EU on its position at the international climate talks at Copenhagen –inc committing to 80 percent carbon cuts by 2050

Talking to decision-makers: easier than you think They need your vote They’re smart - but they can’t know everything about everything They are often genuinely interested There’s always expert back-up from the Christian Aid Campaigns team

Talking to decision-makers : prepare to connect Research them! Consider their party, delegation and committee memberships and history of interests How will you present your concerns? Predict how they might respond More than one of you? Organise yourselves

Talking to decision-makers: Be concise They’re busy Keep it calm, clear and simple Keep everyone in the meeting on the subject

Talking to decision-makers: Get a result Get a commitment from them as to their course of action Or a statement of their views Keep the relationship open – send them a thank you letter, offer further information Inform Campaigns about the meeting

Using the pledge to lobby MEPs See the campaign organiser’s pack Collect pledges as a tool to lobby your MEP Use the press release and letter to organise an event and meeting Sign up to Local Lobbyist