Lobby Your MP

If our efforts to amend the smoking ban and stop the denormalisation of smoking are going to work, we have to impress on politicians throughout the United Kingdom the extent of the anger and frustration felt by many people who believe the smoking ban went too far and enough is enough.

You can help our campaign by lobbying your MP in person or in writing. The easiest thing is to write to your MP. Make sure your request a reply. Even better, go and see them. Most MPs hold regular surgeries in their constituency. Find out when it is, and ask to see your MP face-to-face.

If your MP is a member of the Labour party, remind them that they reneged on their 2005 manifesto commitment to exempt from the smoking ban pubs that don't serve food and private members' clubs. If your MP is a member of another party, remind them that Labour reneged on a manifesto commitment and you will not vote for anyone who supports the legislation as it currently exists.

Irrespective of their party, tell them about the impact the ban has had on you, your friends, your local pubs and clubs, and the hostility that many people feel towards the government as a result of this draconian ban. Explain that, at the next general election, you will vote against any sitting MP who supports the current legislation, but you will reconsider if he or she is willing to publicly support amendments to the ban - for example, separate smoking rooms in pubs and clubs.

The more people who write to or go and see an MP, the more they will take notice. It is important, though, that you personalise your letter as much as possible. MPs tend to ignore letters that appear to be part of an organised campaign.

Only write to your constituency MP. MPs get lots of letters. Letters from constituents should always get priority.

Email
To find out who your MP and send them an email visit:
www.writetothem.com

Post
To find out who your MP is visit:
www.theyworkforyou.com

You can then address your letter to your MP at:

House of Commons
London SW1A 0AA

Don't forget to request a reply.
Smoker 

"People want to go into a pub and have a drink and a smoke. Saying they can't means they can't have a social life."

David Hockney
artist
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