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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.
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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 Commons C 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 divisions B 30 per cent C 10 per cent D 15 per cent
4. How many MEP constituencies are there in the UK? A 12 B 73 C 646 D 785
5. Which is the biggest political grouping in the European Parliament? A The Party of European Socialists B The European People’s Party and European Democrats C The Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe D Green/European free Alliance
6. MEPs can do which of the following? A amend & vote on legislation & policy B approve the appointment of the European Commission C approve international agreements D 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 services B The new European Agreements on trade with developing countries C Action on climate change by Europe D Voting 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
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 Europe • It would put pressure on the UK Gov to improve its reductions targets
We want MSPs to vote for • 80% target for emissions cuts by 2050 • Annual targets of at least 5% • No cuts by offsetting
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