tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999633524276247455.post3776881108771166723..comments2023-07-04T16:57:28.929+01:00Comments on Where's the Benefit?: Disability cuts - one opposition MP's perspectiveLisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16714918894319998184noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999633524276247455.post-66995181313830339042010-09-15T23:28:28.470+01:002010-09-15T23:28:28.470+01:00I think this is a classic case of wanting to choos...I think this is a classic case of wanting to choose a perfect option when only imperfect ones exist. It is better to sign this EDM than none; even if it does nothing, it can't hurt to try. There isn't another one that doesn't welcome the coalition.Annehttp://www.annewollenberg.co.uknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999633524276247455.post-34157981070459157272010-09-15T15:19:32.848+01:002010-09-15T15:19:32.848+01:00I've written to IDS before (he is an MP in my ...I've written to IDS before (he is an MP in my borough, and I wrote on behalf of the Mobility Forum that I chair) and the first time he didn't reply. The second time he did, only to say that he doesn't sign EDMs as he doesn't think there is any point to them.<br /><br />So Isabel I agree with you; I doubt an EDM would sway IDS from any decision he might make. On the other hand, they would show a weight of concern, and make him aware of just how many MPs are watching what he does with interest.Flash Bristowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03654864643726468916noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999633524276247455.post-72974462409138259162010-09-15T12:01:45.545+01:002010-09-15T12:01:45.545+01:00I am surprised he objects, not because of his prin...I am surprised he objects, not because of his principles, but because the language of respect is so ingrained in the Houses. It is possible to welcome the commitment, which the Coalition have expressed, whilst questioning their actions. <br /><br />It may be that EDM's are not given much consideration by the Coalition, so maybe other avenues are important too - an open letter to various newspaper editors perhaps? Perhaps your MP can identify other avenues, or could support other groups within the House?<br />KimMehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11178929662852375146noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7999633524276247455.post-6779337304091020442010-09-15T11:41:42.841+01:002010-09-15T11:41:42.841+01:00Oo, that is difficult. I think I'd write a nic...Oo, that is difficult. I think I'd write a nice reply saying that you respect his position on not wanting to 'welcome' the government's approach to disability or cuts, but that you'd politely ask him to reconsider because a large number of MPs signing the EDM would help with the campaign against the cuts. That said, I'm not convinced of how effective EDMs will be now, I remember writing to Conservative MPs when they were in opposition, and getting the response that they don't believe in EDMs, so if they didn't believe in them then, are they going to listen to an EDM now they are in power?Isabel Livingstonehttp://www.twitter.com/izzilivingstonenoreply@blogger.com