Meet the MP

Gareth Jones talks to his local MP and asks: how effective is political campaigning?

''Politics matters. Participate!'' Conservative MP Robert Syms A steward at the Trade Justice Lobby talks to an MP.

In the seemingly complicated world of politics it is often difficult to make sense of how to make an effective impact, so why bother? Well if you can get the attention of the political parties then the issue is more likely to get raised in debate, which in turn puts pressure on the Government. Topics surrounding the third world are currently a lower priority than education, law and health, which is all the more reason for us to take action.

Members of Parliament (MPs) represent our interests, and their party's, in the UK Parliament. I met with Mr Robert Syms, my local Conservative MP, and asked him how we can influence the decisions of MPs and have an impact on policy.

I was disappointed to find out that in my home town there were only around 8 people that regularly wrote to Mr Syms about fair trade, the environment and third world poverty. Is that pathetic? Or is it because no one knows how to?

Gareth: How can writing an email translate into action at Westminster?
Robert: "If you get the attention of politicians then issues are more likely to be debated in Parliament. This puts more pressure on the Government. You can ask your MP to sign Early Day Motions but some MPs won't sign them because they don't value them. Early Day Motions (EDMs) are like petitions. If you get enough MPs to sign one then it may get raised in debate."

How easy is it to get third world issues onto the agenda?
"It isn't quite like education, economy or law and order and therefore it's useful just to push it up the agenda every now and again. Particularly when there are things in the calendar coming up like the world trade talks in Hong Kong. It is useful at that particular time to be saying to ministers: 'these are important issues - we want you to participate, play and positive part'."

Are individual emails and letters more effective than pre-written, mass emails (where you just sign your name and click send)?
"If you get 15 e-mails in one go, the usual reaction is not 'this is important' but 'oh God, my inbox is full of e-mails!' It probably makes more difference if people write individual letters or e-mails."

Yes, but the sentiment is the same as a letter.
"No, I wouldn't say so. It's like a petition. It would be better if somebody wrote a letter in their own words. Sometimes if lots of people send an email it can have an impact, but most of the cynical politicians will think 'somebody has just gathered 50 people to annoy me by filling up my inbox."

How useful are Early Day Motions (EDMs)?
"It is better to ask your MP to get 'an adjournment debate', then the government has to answer questions. If you get a debate then Oxfam could send through a briefing to all MPs. This would stir up interest and get more MPs to question the government."

Will you be considering signing the EDM on the Arms Trade Treaty?
"One of the problems with signing these is it depends on who else signs it. I probably will but I need to make sure it is on the approved list."

Do you have any advice for young people?
"Politics matters. If you are interested in your future, your family's future, your country's future - participate! Things may not go your own way but that is a better approach than not participating."


Gareth's top political campaigning tips

1. Find out who your local MP is at www.WriteToThem.com

2. Make your e-mails and letters unique - individual communication makes it 10 times more effective!

3. MPs like to see people face-to-face - make an appointment with your MP or arrange for them to talk to your school, club or university.

4. Ask your MP to call for 'adjournment debates' on the issues that concern you.