On 25/10/06, Brian Holt <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> Its strange the ones that get the most support
>
> --
> Brian Ancient Order of Sewer Ants
EDMs are a rather devalued currency. Many are just pretty cheap PR
stunts that allow MPs to tell their local media that have put down a
Commons motion about some local issue, or are supporting some populist
campaign or other.
But they can make a difference when they get a lot of signatories,
attract the support of MPs who do not spend their lives signing EDMs,
and in particular when they get the support of many government
backbenchers, especially if it is linked to a likelihood of a
rebellion by government MPs in a future vote.
Unfortunately it's unlikely that there would ever be a vote on BW
cuts, but it is still worth getting the numbers up, particularly among
Labour MPs. I would imagine that the all-party group and the national
organisation who work with them are trying to secure a debate on the
issue.
Backbench debates like this usually consist of a chance for an MP to
make their case, followed by a minister responding. A big attendance
in the Chamber makes an impact, as there are usually only a handful of
MPs present for such debates.
But the real impact is likely to be made behind the scenes by getting
well-connected to run their own lobbying campaign directed against the
relevant ministers.
-
Nigel Stanley
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