2006

Lobbying your MP
1 July 2006

Irma Allen supports the Big Ask

Visiting your MP can seem a bit daunting. Irma Allen decided to see if it is really that bad and went to put The Big Ask to her MP, David Lepper.

How did you feel?

David Lepper MP

It was the first time I had ever been to visit an MP. I was a little bit nervous as I wasn't sure what to expect.

Was it easy to arrange?

Yes. I just had to turn up during his surgery after letting his secretary know I was planning on coming.

Was it as scary as you thought?

No! When I got there I found he was very willing to listen to my views and to discuss the issue of climate change.

It wasn't scary at all! In fact I found it really interesting. It felt fantastic that I had actively helped support the Big Ask.

What was said at the meeting?

My MP said he was fully on board with the campaign. If anything, his friendliness meant that I forgot to pin him down to writing a letter to Tony Blair. So I'm following up our meeting with a letter urging him to do so.

Have you got any tips for other lobbyists?

It's a good idea to jot down some notes whilst you're there. I was excited about having done something that seemed so scary but actually wasn't. So it was easy to forget what was said afterwards!

Would you recommend this to others?

It's your democratic right to lobby your MP. I would definitely go again and recommend it to everyone.

Press for change

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