LOBBY YOUR MP ABOUT THE WHITE PAPER
Here is a copy of an e-mail that has been sent to supporters of the “NHS Support Federation” on 12th Oct 2010
Dear NHS Supporter
The White Paper consultation period is over but there is still plenty we can do to alert people to the harmful effects of government’s reforms. As the paper moves through parliament, so MPs and the media will pay more attention to it. This is therefore a critical time to lobby your MP – particularly if they are a coalition MP – but lobbying opposition MPs would also be useful, as we can arm them with informed research and opinion. Awakening MPs to the true costs and consequences of the White Paper could help remove or amend some of its more damaging proposals.
LOBBY YOUR MP
Make an appointment to see your MP at their local surgery (you can find surgery times on their website or phoning their office). Attending surgeries is a powerful way of delivering your message to your MP. Use our practical arguments and references (see below) to support your points, but focus on one or two points rather than trying to cover them all. Ask your MP to write to the Health Secretary on your behalf, asking him to address your concerns. It could also be worthwhile writing to them beforehand. Use our editable template letter, and either send it by post or by email, using the site http://www.writetothem.com
A DANGEROUS OPERATION
We have prepared a list of key arguments against the plans, focussing on issues of cost, administration, quality and safety, supported by evidence based on either previous or comparable experience. You can see these arguments on our website (http://www.nhscampaign.org/white-paper-comment/the-big-questions.html) or you can download our pdf version: ‘A Dangerous Operation’. (Click here). This version has been sent to Liberal Democrat MPs in the first instance – but, if you do have a LibDem MP, this shouldn’t stop you from lobbying them. You would be even more persuasive if they realise that their constituents are aware of these arguments.
COLLABORATING AGAINST THE REFORMS
We recently organised a meeting that brought together several organisations who all share concerns about the government’s plans. The meeting included representatives from the unions the BMA, Unite, Unison and GMB, and health campaign groups Medact and Keep Our NHS Public. While each organisation has developed its own response to the plans, the meeting demonstrated a powerful body of opinion and it was agreed that significant communication, proposals and action could be shared around the considerable networks of members that our organisations represent.
We’ll be bringing you more campaign material and ideas soon, and we really hope you’ll continue to support your NHS and help us with our campaigns. However, if you do wish to unsubscribe from our email list, then please email james@nhscampaign.org.
Many thanks for your support,
Paul Evans
Director, NHS Support Federation
01273234822
07798922199
COME TOGETHER TO PROTECT OUR NHS
Aneurin Bevan recognised right from the start of the NHS that, “it will only survive as long as there are folk left with the faith to fight for it.”
If you want to find out more, then please send an e-mail to david@nhscampaign.org or write to NHS Support Federation Community Base 113 Queens Rd Brighton BN1 3XG
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