Campaign Champion Activist - Meeting your MP for the first time

Hi my name is Len and I am an RSPB Campaign Champion Activist. I recently met my MP to talk about a number of environmental concerns
I have, and thought it would be good to share my experience and offer you some hints and tips so you get the most out of meeting your MP when the time comes.

The role of Campaign Champion Activist will involve you meeting with local policy formers including  councillors and your local MP.  
Unless you are practised in such matters, meeting your MP for the first could be a daunting prospect. However, if you are properly prepared things are more likely to go smoothly and successfully. Having   already gone through this process I offer the following commonsense advice.

-         Learn as much  about  your MP as possible, nearly all MPs will have a  website where you can  see what they  has spoken about the in the House of Commons and any parliamentary questions that they have asked, it will also  give you an idea as to what  their outside interest are and where  They stand on local issues. There are also many websites that  offer “Pen pictures” of MPs

-        Make an appointment with your MP. Most MPs will only available to you on Fridays although some London MPs may hold “surgeries”
more than once a week.

-         An MP will typically offer you a ten minute slot. You must be aware that MPs usually have very limited time to offer it is up to you to make the best use of this time.

 -         Decide what you can realistically cover in the time that is available. Don’t crowd the agenda, but equally have something in reserve in the unlikely event that you run short of material.

 -     Carefully research the subjects that you want to discuss.  The RSPB site and any briefing provided by them is the obvious
starting point. However, if you can relate national policy to local issues this will be of a bonus. Write a brief for yourself in your own language.

-        Be clear in your own mind what outcome you want to achieve on each subject.

 -        Depending on  your MP they  may or  may  not  know a lot about the subjects that you  raise. You will probably find that at your MP will be quick to grasp the pertinent facts from your presentation and will appreciate brevity. Unless detail is highly relevant it is best to deal in general terms outlining the important policy issues rather than go into too much detail. However a fact or statistic will not come amiss!  If clarification or further detail is required your MP will normally ask for it! Try not to get sidetracked into discussion of minutiae. Try not to get  into political debate

 -     On the day of the meeting arrive early, as I said previously an MP’s time is vital you are unlikely to get more time than allotted for the appointment.

 -     Dress smartly but a jacket and tie are not required. Wear RSPB logoed clothing  if you  have it!  This may help to give you a certain authority and a sense of purpose.

 -         Take the brief you prepared with you if you feel this would help you. Be  prepared  for the meeting to be attended  by a third party- usually the  MPs researcher, secretary  or case worker 

-         Once the formalities of introductions are over make sure that you give explain the Campaign Activist role briefly and then set
out your agenda for the meeting. Speak clearly and slowly. If you get stuck refer back to your brief – that is what it is there for!

-    Keep a check on your time, if you are behind time try to make a decision to cover the most important subjects. You can take
up anything  you  missed later by e-mail or letter

 -         At the end of the meeting run over what has been agreed as a course of action on each subject. This is likely to be that they
will take the issue up with the appropriate Minister or Government Department or Local Council usually by letter or e-mail. This is the usual first gateway into the policy arena. Subsequent action could include a written or oral question or Early Day Motion in the House or meetings with the Minister.

 -     Always, Always, Always thank your MP   for the opportunity to discuss your /RSPB’s concerns. If possible agree  how you will
deal with further issues as they arise- hopefully a further meeting will be offered  (as and when issues arise) however  you might also  like to keep your MP briefed through e-mails.

The Meeting
itself.....

I recently met James Duddridge MP for Rochford and Southend East. At my meeting we discussed the Marine Act and the need for the Government to act more quickly on the consultation and implementation of the European legislation he promised to look into this further with three Minister (Benyon). He was particularly interested as hedidn't seem to be aware that the proposals included his constituency. Though he was aware that a neighbouring constituency had raised some concerns through it's harbour master. I also pointed out that downwind of one of the proposeddesignated areas was also an important wintering ground for Brent Geese and that designation would also help to preserve this. It would also help in arguments against the revived call for an estuary airport. I knew in advance that my MP was opposed this.

We also discussed the Big School and Big Garden Bird Watch and he agreed to publicise the latter both through his website and through a press release.


We also discussed the RSPB local reserves currently being developed in the area.

We did not have adequate time to discuss the Chancellor’s Autumn statement on development but I subsequently e-mail the MP with my concerns
about this asking them to take this up with the relevant Government Departments.

Hopefully this gives you a brief insight into face to face meetings with MPs,

Happy Campaigning!

Len