The Government's Lobbying Bill, (Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Bill.) is causing concern in the charitable and not-for-profic sector, because there are draconian measures in Part II which will effectively gag everyone except political parties for a whole year before any and every election - European, County, District, Parish, National - every single one.
My sister's response to Chloe Smith, the minister responsible for the bill, is the most eloquent I have come across. Please read on:
"This is what I have written. Please please do not copy my words, as Chloe Smith needs to hear from us individually, but please do have a look if it will help. Best to all.
"Please could you reconsider how this bill is worded? I understand the need to regulate how people put pressure on the government, but the likes of 38 degrees, SumofUs and AVAAZ are not the same as trades unions nor minority parties.
These on-line organisations really have given us a voice at last. These organisations help me to feel that I can make the government of the day (whichever one is currently 'in power') listen to the ordinary voices of ordinary people. We work hard, we love our country, but some of the decisions taken by some politicians make me wonder if they are living in the same time zone (and financial zone) as me. Clearly some are not.
It is SO important that these organisations are free to comment on what is happening, and give us our voices. If thousands of us sign a petition, it truly is because that MEANS something to us, we FEEL worried/ aggrieved/ disenfranchised.
If I DON'T feel strongly about a petition, I DON'T sign it. Believe me: the petitions I sign I feel strongly about.
Organisations like this CANNOT exist without our little contributions. I send £5 a month to 38 degrees and $4 dollars odd to AVAAZ because I WANT to be able to have my voice heard, I don't belong to a political party. I don't belong to a trades union. I DO wish to live in a democratic state.
I urge you please not to cancel my voice."
If you also want your voice heard, use this link to write to Chloe Smith:
38 degrees speakout to Chloe Smith
Read NCVO’s statement here: http://blogs.ncvo.org.uk/2013/08/18/transparency-of-lobbying-bill-unintended-consequences-or-trojan-horse/
And HOPE not hate’s here: http://www.hopenothate.org.uk/blog/article/2976/the-government-is-trying-to-gag-hope-not-hate
