Template emails/letters to MPs, peers, Ministers and the PM and Deputy PM
Wording
Please use the content of these letters as a suggested guide but personalise them to the recipient and according to your organisation as much as possible. It is important that the tone reflects the gravity of the threat and the urgency of the need for action. We should always be polite but letters need to have a strong impact Conservative and Lib Dem politicians at this stage!
Please include a request to meet with the addressee in the letters. Full support is available for NGOs who do meet with MPs or peers including: group meetings if appropriate with other
NGOs, materials to give to politicians, suggested aims and key messages for the meeting; a teleconference pre-meet where you can discuss any concerns or potential sticky questions.
Emailing and posting
Please contact all of the people below this time. We avoided overwhelming peers especially at Second Reading and Committee stage - now we need them to all turn out and vote!
Please send emails and letters as early as possible in the week beginning 6 January.
It is important to send a paper copy to peers as well as emails because about a third of them don't use email and many do not check their email frequently.
If you have any problems producing and delivering a paper mailing please contact liz.hutchins@foe.co.uk
as we are planning to print and deliver a batch of letters from NGOs not able to do it yourselves (but we have tight resources so please do it yourself if you can!).
Email addresses for all MPs and peers are available here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AuogIfAZQjbtdHZKel9TV29wVlkxV0tzVTNR bjFsZ1E&usp=sharing
If you have time please exclude Ministers responsible for the Bill (Lansley, Brake, Lords
Wallace of Tankerness, Wallace of Saltaire, and Gardiner; and the PM and Deputy PM) and send them separate tailored letters based on the template below.
It will not be possible to wait until Government amendments have been published and the
Harries amendments have been decided, so the letters have been drafted accordingly.
Salutation
It is best practice to address MPs: Dear First name Second name. There is no need for 'MP' in the salutation.
For peers please use ‘Dear Lady / Lord XXX’. A full list of these ‘personal titles’ is available under column G of the Lords tab of the following spreadsheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AuogIfAZQjbtdHZKel9TV29wVlkxV0tzVTNR bjFsZ1E&usp=sharing

Conservative MPs
Dear [firstname secondname],
The Lobbying Bill is reaching its final stages with hardly any amendment to Part 2 despite the concerns of hundreds of charities, voluntary organisations and faith groups. It remains a serious threat to freedom of speech and association and would silence non-party campaigning on some of the most important issues facing the country and the planet.
Part 2 of the Bill has led to poor and rushed Government draft legislation that we believe should be either be withdrawn or radically overhauled at Lords Report stage
(15 January).
[insert organisation name] supports the amendments that will be tabled by Lord
Harries, the Chair of the Commission on Civil Society and Democratic Engagement which is supported by over 120 organisations, and we ask that you do too.
As this is now so urgent, and our previous representations have been largely ignored, we are asking that you contact the Prime Minister with our concerns as we believe only he can now intervene to avert the damage that will be done by passing this Bill.
We would appreciate the opportunity to discuss our concerns with you. If you would like to know more about why we believe this Bill will damage many organisations including many in your constituency please contact [insert name and contact details of person] to arrange a meeting.
There is more information about our concerns with the lobbying bill on Bond’s website: http://www.bond.org.uk/advocacy/lobbying-bill
Yours sincerely,
[Name, Position, Organisation]

Conservative peers
Dear [name of peer],
The Lobbying Bill is reaching its final stages with hardly any amendment to Part 2 despite the concerns of hundreds of charities, voluntary organisations and faith groups. It remains a serious threat to freedom of speech and association and would silence non-party campaigning on some of the most important issues facing the country and the planet.
Part 2 of the Bill has led to poor and rushed Government draft legislation that we believe should be either be withdrawn or radically overhauled at Lords Report stage
(15 January).
[insert organisation name] supports the amendments that will be tabled by Lord
Harries, the Chair of the Commission on Civil Society and Democratic Engagement which is supported by over 120 organisations, and we are writing to ask that you vote for those amendments.
We would appreciate the opportunity to discuss our concerns with you. If you would like to know more about why we believe this Bill will damage many charities and campaigning organisations please contact [insert name and contact details of person] to arrange a meeting.
There is more information about our concerns with the lobbying bill on Bond’s website: http://www.bond.org.uk/advocacy/lobbying-bill
Yours sincerely,
[Name, Position, Organisation]

Liberal Democrat MPs
Dear [firstname secondname],
The Lobbying Bill is reaching its final stages with hardly any amendment to Part 2 despite the concerns of hundreds of charities and campaigning organisations. It remains a serious threat to freedom of speech and association and would silence non-party campaigning on some of the most important issues facing the country and the planet.
Liberal Democrat peers were amongst the most critical of the proposed legislation at
Lords Committee stage on 16 December.
" This is a Bill which has overwhelmingly caused such concern, worry and anxiety that it cannot stand as it is without huge amendment, or possibly a complete rewriting of Part 2. I favour the second." and "Part 2 has to be reconstructed from the ground up." Baroness Williams of Crosby
" The waste of fees and time, the bureaucracy, the demoralisation, the diversion of philanthropic effort into playing safe in what is a ludicrously complicated piece of legislation adds up to a very worrying situation." Lord Phillips of Sudbury
We know that this Bill is alienating many Liberal Democrat supporters who are concerned about the impact this Bill will have on civil society. We are asking that
Liberal Democrat MPs respond to the concerns of their supporters as well as the many charities, voluntary organisations, bloggers and faith groups by raising the issue within the Parliamentary party. We support the amendments proposed by Lord
Harries, chair of the Committee on Civil Society and Democratic Engagement which is supported by over 120 NGOs, and we are asking that Liberal Democrat Peers vote for them.
We would appreciate the opportunity to discuss our concerns with you. If you would like to know more about why we believe this Bill will damage many organisations including many in your constituency please contact [insert name and contact details of person] to arrange a meeting.
There is more information about our concerns with the lobbying bill on Bond’s website: http://www.bond.org.uk/advocacy/lobbying-bill
Yours sincerely,
[Name, Position, Organisation]

Liberal Democrat peers
Dear [name of peer],
The Lobbying Bill is reaching report stage in the Lords (15 January) with hardly any amendment to Part 2 despite the concerns of hundreds of charities and campaigning organisations. It remains a serious threat to freedom of speech and association and would silence non-party campaigning on some of the most important issues facing the country and the planet.
Liberal Democrat peers were amongst the most critical of the proposed legislation at
Lords Committee stage on 16 December.
" This is a Bill which has overwhelmingly caused such concern, worry and anxiety that it cannot stand as it is without huge amendment, or possibly a complete rewriting of Part 2. I favour the second." and "Part 2 has to be reconstructed from the ground up." Baroness Williams of Crosby
" The waste of fees and time, the bureaucracy, the demoralisation, the diversion of philanthropic effort into playing safe in what is a ludicrously complicated piece of legislation adds up to a very worrying situation." Lord Phillips of Sudbury
We were disappointed by Government Ministers' response to the above concerns, and many others made by Peers at the Lords Committee stage, and their apparent unwillingness to create workable legislation that achieves the widely supported objectives of transparency when lobbying.
We hope that Liberal Democrat Peers will ensure that this Bill does not pass in its current and damaging form. We are asking that you vote for amendments tabled by
Lord Harries, chair of the Commission on Civil Society and Democratic Engagement supported by 120 NGOs.
We would appreciate the opportunity to discuss our concerns with you. If you would like to know more about why we believe this Bill will damage many charities and campaigning organisations please contact [insert name and contact details of person] to arrange a meeting.
There is more information about our concerns with the lobbying bill on Bond’s website: http://www.bond.org.uk/advocacy/lobbying-bill
Yours sincerely,

[Insert name and position of NGO rep]

Cross-bench peers
Dear [name of peer],
The Lobbying Bill reaches report stage in the Lords (15 January) with hardly any amendment to Part 2 despite the concerns of hundreds of charities and campaigning organisations. It remains a serious threat to freedom of speech and association and would silence non-party campaigning on some of the most important issues facing the country and the planet.
Cross-bench peers have applied their wide range of experience and expertise to scrutinising the Bill. Lord Ramsbotham achieved a five week pause in the Bill following the damning critique of the Bill in the first report of the Commission on Civil
Society and Democratic Engagement . This scrutiny had been much appreciated by the civil society.
However we were very disappointed by Government Ministers' response to concerns raised at Lords Committee stage and their apparent unwillingness to make significant changes to the Bill and hope that a cross party alliance of Peers will defeat some of the worst elements of the Bill.
[name of organisation] supports the amendments that will be tabled by Lord Harries, chair of the Commission on Civil Society and Democratic Engagement (backed by over 120 NGOs) and ask that you support the many concerned charities, voluntary organisations and faith groups by voting for them.
We would appreciate the opportunity to discuss our concerns with you. If you would like to know more about why we believe this Bill will damage many charities and campaigning organisations please contact [insert name and contact details of person] to arrange a meeting.
There is more information about our concerns with the lobbying bill on Bond’s website.
Yours sincerely,
[Name, Position, Organisation]

Labour MPs
Dear [firstname secondname],
The Lobbying Bill is reaching its final stages with hardly any amendment to Part 2 despite the concerns of hundreds of charities and campaigning organisations. It remains a serious threat to freedom of speech and association and would silence non-party campaigning on some of the most important issues facing the country and the planet.
Labour MPs and Peers have supported charities, voluntary organisations and faith groups by opposing Part 2 from the start by consistently raising objections as the Bill has been rushed through Parliament. This scrutiny is much appreciated by a huge diversity of campaigning organisations.
We were disappointed by Government Ministers' response to concerns raised at
Lords Committee stage and their apparent unwillingness to make significant changes to the Bill.
[name of organisation] supports the amendments that will be tabled by Lord Harries, chair of the Commission on Civil Society and Democratic Engagement (backed by over 120 NGOs) and ask that you support the many concerned charities, voluntary organisations and faith groups by voting for them. Now is an opportunity to speak out in the strongest possible terms.
We hope that if Part 2 of the Lobbying Bill is passed in a form that would undermine non-party campaigning on policy issues the Labour party will commit to repeal it.
We would appreciate the opportunity to discuss our concerns with you. If you would like to know more about why we believe this Bill will damage many organisations including many in your constituency please contact [insert name and contact details of person] to arrange a meeting.
Yours sincerely,
[Name, Position, Organisation]

Labour peers
Dear [name of peer],
The Lobbying Bill reaches report stage in the Lords (15 January) with hardly any amendment to Part 2 despite the concerns of hundreds of charities and campaigning organisations. It remains a serious threat to freedom of speech and association and would silence non-party campaigning on some of the most important issues facing the country and the planet.
Labour MPs and Peers have supported charities, voluntary organisations and faith groups by opposing Part 2 from the start by consistently raising objections as the Bill has been rushed through Parliament. This scrutiny is much appreciated by a huge diversity of campaigning organisations.
We were disappointed by Government Ministers' response to concerns raised at
Lords Committee stage and their apparent unwillingness to make significant changes to the Bill and hope that a cross party alliance of Peers will defeat some of the worst elements of the Bill.
We hope you will vote for amendments tabled by Lord Harries, chair of the
Commission on Civil Society and Democratic Engagement which is backed by over
120 NGOs.
We hope that if Part 2 of the Lobbying Bill is passed in a form that would undermine non-party campaigning on policy issues the Labour party will commit to repeal it.
We would appreciate the opportunity to discuss our concerns with you. If you would like to know more about why we believe this Bill will damage many charities and campaigning organisations please contact [insert name and contact details of person] to arrange a meeting.
Yours sincerely,
[Name, Position, Organisation]

Ministers Andrew Lansley MP/ Tom Brake MP
Dear Andrew Lansley/ Tom Brake,
As the Lobbying Bill reaches its final parliamentary stages, we are alarmed that Part
2 has hardly been amended despite the concerns of hundreds of charities and campaigning organisations. It remains a serious threat to freedom of speech and association and would silence non-party campaigning on some of the most important issues facing the country and the planet.
We were very disappointed by Government Ministers' response to concerns raised at
Lords Committee stage and their apparent unwillingness to make significant changes to the Bill.
Part 2 of the Bill is deeply unpopular with a very wide range of charities, voluntary organisations and faith groups and their members and supporters. As a Government
Minister responsible for this Bill [Insert name of NGO] asks you to draw back from pushing through legislation that will damage civil society and participation in our democratic process.
[Insert name of NGO] believes that Part 2 of the Bill should either be withdrawn or radically overhauled at Report stage. At the very least Government should accept amendments which will be tabled by Lord Harries, chair of the Commission on Civil
Society and Democratic Engagement supported by over 120 NGOs.
We are also disappointed that Ministers have refused to commit to publishing
Government amendments a week before Lords Report stage. As at Report stage in the Commons, when Government amendments were published late, the
Government has yet again not met basic standards of scrutiny and transparency.
[Insert name of NGO] would very much like to meet with you to discuss our concerns before Report stage. Please let [insert name and contact details of person] know when if you would be willing to meet.
Yours sincerely,
[Name, Position, Organisation]

Ministers Lord Wallace of Tankerness/ Lord Gardiner cc Lord Wallace of Saltaire (who was the Minister responsible and stepped down during Committee stage to have a hip operation - he is expected to return for the final stages of the Bill)
Dear Lords Wallace of Tankerness/ Lord Gardiner, cc Lord Wallace of Saltaire
As the Lobbying Bill reaches its final parliamentary stages, we are alarmed that Part
2 has hardly been amended despite the concerns of hundreds of charities and campaigning organisations. It remains a serious threat to freedom of speech and association and would silence non-party campaigning on some of the most important issues facing the country and the planet.
We were very disappointed by your response to concerns raised at Lords Committee stage and apparent unwillingness to make significant changes to the Bill.
Part 2 of the Bill is deeply unpopular with a very wide range of charities, voluntary organisations and faith groups and their members and supporters. As a Government
Minister responsible for this Bill [Insert name of NGO] asks you to draw back from pushing through legislation that will damage civil society and participation in our democratic process.
[Insert name of NGO] thinks Part 2 of the Bill should either be withdrawn or radically overhauled at Report stage. At the very least we ask you to accept Report stage amendments which will be tabled by Lord Harries, chair of the Commission on Civil
Society and Democratic Engagement supported by over 120 NGOs.
We are also disappointed that Ministers have refused to commit to publishing
Government amendments a week before Lords Report stage. As at Report stage in the Commons, when Government amendments were published late, the
Government has yet again not met basic standards of scrutiny and transparency.
[Insert name of NGO] would very much like to meet with you to discuss our concerns before Report stage. Please let [insert name and contact details of person] know if you are willing to meet.
Yours sincerely,
[Name, Position, Organisation]

David Cameron and Nick Clegg
Dear Prime Minister/ Deputy Prime Minister,
As the Lobbying Bill reaches its final parliamentary stages, we are alarmed that Part
2 has hardly been amended despite the concerns of hundreds of charities and campaigning organisations. It remains a serious threat to freedom of speech and association and would silence non-party campaigning on some of the most important issues facing the country and the planet.
We were very disappointed by Ministers' response to concerns raised at Lords
Committee stage and apparent unwillingness to make significant changes to the Bill.
[Insert name of NGO] thinks Part 2 of the Bill should either be withdrawn or radically overhauled at Report stage. At the very least we ask you to ensure amendments are accepted by Government which will be tabled by Lord Harries, chair of the
Commission on Civil Society and Democratic Engagement which is now supported by over 100 NGOs.
We are also disappointed that Ministers have refused to commit to publishing
Government amendments a week before Lords Report stage. As at Report stage in the Commons, when Government amendments were published late, the
Government has yet again not met basic standards of scrutiny and transparency.
Part 2 of the Bill is deeply unpopular with a very wide range of charities, voluntary organisations and faith groups and their members and supporters. As Prime
Minister/Deputy Prime Minister we believe that your intervention will be required to avert the damage that will be done by passing this Bill.
[Insert name of NGO] would very much like you to meet with Lord Harries and a delegation of NGOs to discuss our concerns before Report stage. Please let [insert name and contact details of person] know whether you will prioritise this.
Yours sincerely,
[Name, Position, Organisation]