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HOW TO INFLUENCE YOUR MPs
The real possibility of war with Iraq has raised the important question of how can we influence our MPs over this. There is so much pressure on them from Government that it is important to make sure they know that they are accountable to their electorates for what they do and how they vote.More Imporant Than Party Loyalty
A war with Iraq is so important that it transcends party loyalty or career advancement for any MP and it is important that on such an issue we know what their personal views are and that we also let them know what we feel about this. Any war with Iraq would be highly unpopular across the globe. There has not been a conflict since Suez where a Government was determined on one course of action and the electorate either bitterly divided or large opposed to the action.
Government Against The PeopleOpinion Polls the world over show that electorates are very sceptical about any conflict and are significantly opposed to any war without the backing of the United Nations. In a poll (31/01/03) 84% of the British electorate was opposed to a war without a second and authorising resolution from the UN - an increase in opposition of 3% in ten days despite strenuous effort by Tony Blair to convince people of the need for possible war. This is a sentiment now felt globally. Even Canada, the USA's neighbour has over 60% of its population opposed to conflict without UN backing and this is now becoming the prevailing mood in the US itself.
What Action Can You Take?
So how do you influence your MP to ensure that they reflect overwhelming public opinion on this matter? There are a number of actions you can take.
- First lobby your MP and let him/her know what you feel and how you expect your MP to vote on this issue.
- Get involved with organisations in your constituency or Borough to campaign and put pressure on your MPs
- If this fails and you feel this is such an important issue, then let your MPs know that if they vote for War and ignore the United Nations, then you will vote for another Party that supports the UN position on this.
- Finally if you feel that you cannot vote for another party then exercise your right to cast a blank vote. This is what the peace movement has done in Israel. In the last two elections 4% and 20% of the electorate respectively cast a blank vote (an active abstention). This had a major impact on the result.