Transformation Realising your Transformational Power In Scotland

Transformation The Power Quiz

1. Who Can Join a Cross Party Group, in the SP? MSPs, organisations and members of the public MSPs and members of the public MSPs and organisations MSPs only

2. What is an Early Day Motion? ADaily morning procession through the House of Commons every morning BFirst daily vote in the Commons CA quasi petition MPs use to demonstrate concern on an issue in the Commons D First debate of the day in the Commons

3. How many times did UK government backbenchers rebel ? A20 per cent of voting divisions B30 per cent C10 per cent D15 per cent

4. How many MEP constituencies are there in the UK? A12 B73 C646 D785

5. Which is the biggest political grouping in the European Parliament? AThe Party of European Socialists BThe European People’s Party and European Democrats CThe Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe DGreen/European free Alliance

6. MEPs can do which of the following? Aamend & vote on legislation & policy Bapprove the appointment of the European Commission Capprove international agreements DAll of these

7. Who is the Convenor of the Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change Committee of the SP? Patrick Harvie – Glasgow/Scottish Green Alex Johnstone – NE Scotland/Scottish Conservative & Unionist Shirley-Anne Somerville – Lothians/SNP Sarah Boyack – Edinburgh Central/Scottish Labour

8. What is the Hassi report about? ANHS GP services BThe new European Agreements on trade with developing countries CAction on climate change by Europe DVoting corruption in MSP elections

Who should we lobby? MPs Members of Parliament MEPs Members of the European Parliament Members of the Scottish Parliament, Welsh National Assembly, Northern Ireland Assembly

Why bother? They have power which we want them to use You have power: they need your vote

Why bother with MEPs? MEPs can influence the policy of EU bloc which is the biggest aid donor in the world and a major trade partner for many developing countries They can vote on the climate and energy package They are up for re-election next year

We want MEPs to Vote for a Climate and Energy Package which includes 40 per cent emissions cuts by 2020; and EU financing for developing countries to reduce emissions, and develop cleanly Press the EU on its position at the international climate talks at Copenhagen –inc committing to 80 percent carbon cuts by 2050

Why bother with MSPs? They will vote on a Scottish Climate Change Bill An ambitious Scottish Climate Change Act would set a standard for the rest of the UK and Europe It would put pressure on the UK Gov to improve its reductions targets

We want MSPs to vote for 80% target for emissions cuts by 2050 Annual targets of at least 5% No cuts by offsetting

Talking to decision-makers: easier than you think They need your vote They’re smart - but they can’t know everything about everything They are often genuinely interested There’s always expert back-up from the Christian Aid Campaigns team

Talking to decision-makers : prepare to connect Research them! Consider their party, delegation and committee memberships and history of interests How will you present your concerns? Predict how they might respond More than one of you? Organise yourselves

Talking to decision-makers: Be concise They’re busy Keep it calm, clear and simple Keep everyone in the meeting on the subject

Talking to decision-makers: Get a result Get a commitment from them as to their course of action Or a statement of their views Keep the relationship open – send them a thank you letter, offer further information Inform Campaigns about the meeting

Using the pledge to lobby MEPs See the campaign organiser’s pack Collect pledges as a tool to lobby your MEP Use the press release and letter to organise an event and meeting Sign up to Local Lobbyist