Dear Brother/Sister
We have seen a great effort by many FBU members and officials in lobbying MPs to support our EDM 454.
On 11 November the Labour leader Ed Miliband became the main sponsor which was a very significant step forward.
The number of those currently who have signed up to EDM 454 stands at 234.
This includes MPs from:
€¢ Labour (210)
€¢ Liberal Democrats (9)
€¢ Green Party (1)
€¢ Democratic Unionist Party (6)
€¢ Independent (2)
€¢ Plaid Cymru (3)
€¢ Respect (1)
€¢ Social Democratic and Labour Party (2)
Members and officials have been lobbying via correspondence and in face-to-face meetings and the work is starting to pay off as more and more MPs are signing, including MPs from the Coalition Government.
The next step is to try and have the issue debated on the floor of the House of Commons. To this end we have written to Ed Miliband and requested that he asks for a full debate on this issue. In addition to this letter, a number of individual MPs have raised the need for a debate earlier this week during the Labour Party's Parliamentary Committee meeting. Ian Lavery MP who is Chair of the Trade Union Group of MPs, has also raised the matter with Ed Miliband directly. We are also stepping up our drive on this issue and will be contacting other MPs seeking their support for such a debate and for the issue to be then voted on.
The union has also written specifically to Liberal Democrats asking them to sign the EDM. Members are urged to take the time to contact local MPs of whichever party. If a standard response is received do not accept it. FBU members are well able to answer the claims made by DCLG and churned out to try to answer our case. Local officials can also assist with any such dialogue.
There is no doubt that this EDM has grabbed the attention of MPs as a result of the letters, lobbying and discussions and it is important that we all play our part in ensuring it stays on their agenda.
The period for 'praying' against the legislation ends on 11 December so we are seeking for a debate to be held by then. Please continue to press any MP who has not currently signed.
Thank you and please keep up the pressure. It is having an impact.
Best wishes.
Yours fraternally
MATT WRACK
GENERAL SECRETARY
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