2006

The Big Month trial run
1 August 2006

Julian Kirby supports the Big Ask

Julian Kirby already had a meeting planned with his MP - so he decided to combine it with a trial run of our Big Ask. Big Month. Big Lobby.

We asked him about how his meeting went with Kate Hoey MP for Vauxhall.

What were your thoughts?

Kate Hoey MP

I wasn't nervous, but went along with a fair amount of cynicism as to how concerned she'd be about The Big Ask.

How did you arrange it?

We went along to one of her surgeries. It started at 5pm, but we were advised by her secretary to arrive early to beat the queue.

How did the meeting go?

The meeting lasted longer than we expected - I went with a friend and although the surgery was busy we spent half an hour with her - and she was surprisingly well-informed and friendly.

What was said at the meeting?

She was sceptical of the effect that her writing to Tony Blair would have. She stressed the importance of all MPs writing to Tony Blair, and that she herself would write a letter if more constituents came to see her.

If your MP does agree to write, remember to get them to send the email and any correspondence to you too.

Julian Kirby

Have you got any tips for other lobbyists?

Come prepared - it's useful to have a structure to what you want to say, so that you don't get side-tracked. And have fun!

Would you recommend this to others?

Absolutely. You can't always guarantee that your MP's assistants will be the best judges of what their boss ought to be reading. Meeting your MP face to face is vital.

Press for change

Inspired by Julian's story? Then please take part in the Big Ask Big Month Big Lobby! Find out all you need to know.