Transformation

Realising your Transformational Power

In Scotland

Transformation

The Power Quiz

1. Who Can Join a Cross Party Group, in the SP?

MSPs, organisations and members of the public MSPs and members of the public MSPs and organisations MSPs only

2. What is an Early Day Motion?

A Daily morning procession through the House of Commons every morning

B First daily vote in the CommonsC A 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 UK government backbenchers rebel 2006-2007?

A 20 per cent of voting divisionsB 30 per centC 10 per centD 15 per cent

4. How many MEP constituencies are there in the UK?

A 12B 73C 646D 785

5. Which is the biggest political grouping in the European Parliament?

A The Party of European SocialistsB The European People’s Party and

European DemocratsC The Alliance of Liberals and Democrats

for EuropeD Green/European free Alliance

6. MEPs can do which of the following?

A amend & vote on legislation & policyB approve the appointment of the

European CommissionC approve international agreementsD All of these

7. Who is the Convenor of the Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change Committee of the SP?

Patrick Harvie – Glasgow/Scottish Green Alex Johnstone – NE Scotland/Scottish Conservative & Unionist Shirley-Anne Somerville – Lothians/SNP Sarah Boyack – Edinburgh Central/Scottish Labour

8. What is the Hassi report about?A NHS GP servicesB The new European Agreements on

trade with developing countriesC Action on climate change by EuropeD Voting corruption in MSP elections

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

Why bother?

They have power which we want them to useYou 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 packageThey 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 cleanlyPress the EU on its position at the international climate talks at Copenhagen –inc committing to 80 percent carbon cuts by 2050

Why bother with MSPs?They will vote on a Scottish Climate Change Bill An ambitious Scottish Climate Change Act would set a standard for the rest of the UK and EuropeIt would put pressure on the UK Gov to improve its reductions targets

We want MSPs to vote for80% target for emissions cuts by 2050Annual targets of at least 5% No cuts by offsetting

Talking to decision-makers: easier than you think

They need your voteThey’re smart - but they can’t know everything about everythingThey are often genuinely interestedThere’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 respondMore than one of you? Organise yourselves

Talking to decision-makers: Be concise

They’re busyKeep 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 viewsKeep the relationship open – send them a thank you letter, offer further informationInform Campaigns about the meeting

Using the pledge to lobby MEPs

See the campaign organiser’s packCollect pledges as a tool to lobby your MEPUse the press release and letter to organise an event and meetingSign up to Local Lobbyist