Had a reply from my MP re GRA - head is spinning S.O.S

[TheRollingCrone]

So wrote to my MP, for context, urban,large city, Labour male MP. Got my reply and feel like I am living in an episode of The Twilight Zone.

To condense: he's aware of the current discussion around - wait for it- around BATHROOMS , but am I aware that Transwomen are a very vulnerable group and more likely to encounter violence? sorry how many women are murdered every fucking week.

He is sure that womens safe spaces will be protected. From who? men who identify as men?

What can I do.I'm neither intelligent or articulate.I sent him the sage link, told him of my concerns for young children/adolescents. He just does not get it.

We're gonna lose this arn't we?

Name and shame him because we need a list of who not to vote for in the next election.

I believe we are going to lose this. MRA's have found a way to turn men against women, en masse. Men and women have chosen to go along with it.
Afterwards it will be labelled 'Project Fear', and people will yell at feminists for not speaking up more loudly or clearly.

No we are not!

I agree, name and shame! Ask to meet if you can stomach it. Or send it to the times or the mail/Sun if you are feeling particularly savage!

Name and shame.

Also post the points he made and we'll help you refute them with proper references and everything.

You have to go and meet with MPs and walk them through the SAGES factsheet. That’s what seems to be having most impact. Also, photos of Stefonknee and Danielle 😆

I'm about to reveal my ignorance of politics here, but never mind.....

If there an 'opposition' to MP's can you write to Tory/green/lab/god help us even UKIP in your area, explain your MP has lost your vote and why and what's there position.

I think it was Ann Sinnot on twitter the other day saying we've got a window of opportunity at the moment, write and write now.

Those of you have actually met your MP, how long do you usually get?

*their

Why is he sure that women’s safe spaces will be protected when the legislation does not provide for that? Is he a moron?
I guess he’s a labour mp so the second question answers itself

Rodger Godsiff MP . If someone can PM me I wit their email address, I will forward you the correspondence, a good brain will know what to make of it.

It's dispiriting, OP, isn't it?

As WTAF and Hermione said, the best thing to do is book an appointment at your MP's next available surgery. Take someone with you if you can. Print a few bits and pieces off and take them with you. Face to face, you can say "You're not answering my question."

Not a momentum one is it? The 'science' coming out of the twitter account the other day I can only imagine they'd allowed a particularly deficient flat earther to intern on the keyboard!

I left my phone number, and told him he could speak in confidence, so convinced was I that there has, just has to be MP'S who see through this rubbish.

I was shaking reading it. Now I, ve got that cold ice fear round my heart.
What will happen to us ?- It's so dystopian no one even wrote it yet.

Don't give up OP, it just sounds like he needs to be peak transed. He doesn't seem to have actually thought about the issue deeply, so if you can persuade him to think....

Is it actually from him? Or some right-on aide?

Do you have anyone locally who could go with you, or do you know any mner's in traveling distance?

It's really not over yet. Can you write back and also cc Caroline Flint, Liz McInnes or Jess Phillips? Or Harriet Hartman? Someone on another thread was saying to cc all letters to her as well.

I am going to need a bit of help. I'm not very well educated. Everything I have learned have learned has primarily been from posters here, who have directed me to various blogs. Oh God

@WTAF I,ve Pm'd you.

Thank you for all your responses. I will hopefully get some help and arrange a meeting.

Don't panic RC, we just have to persist. I have worked with a lobbying outfit in the past and they told me MP's have a database of standard letters which they send out. You (generic) just have to ignore their first template answer and carry on until they engage. Also he might not have even seen your letter in the first place.

TheRollingCrone

Here's the thing. MPs almost always write back to detailed questions from constituents with fluff and guff that says as little as possible but sounds vaguely soothing. They don't want to be too direct in case you post it online and they get into trouble with party apparatchiks.

The main point of writing is to show them that you care enough to write.

So, you have two options now to get your MP actually thinking properly about this. Firstly, persuade people you know to write as well so that his inbox has a good number of constituents saying the same thing. That makes them panic a bit. Secondly, go and see him. MPs will be more honest and frank in person. Plus, they can't fob you off quite so obviously if you're sitting right in front them. It also emphasises that you feel particularly strongly.

Ok. I will get the office number, find out sittings which I imagine will be after Christmas. I have two weeks off, so that will give me plenty of time to get my ducks/drakes who knows? in order.

Thank you all so much. If this was the Zombie apocalypse i'd be the wee fat woman too scared to run right now!

To the person who asked how long you get with an MP- I can only tell you what I know.., (DH is MP)
He usually gives 15 minute appointments, and asks people to send stuff in advance for him to read.
Some things- yes the party will provide a standard response, but they 'should' if they are any good, address personal & specific queries as well. Does depend on the MP.

All MPs had someone who stood against them from other parties. You can find out who from googling the name of your constituency. Then hopefully the opponent will have a website/email address so you can email them as well.
Thing is, all the MPs are knackered right now, and most of them will simply not have considered the GRA at all yet.
Yes, encourage people to write to him.
Keep being specific & non-emotional.
Ask HOW he can be sure that women's spaces will be protected.
WHAT will he do to make sure that happens.
Will he vote for self ID?
How can he protect not 'just' women but vulnerable young people who might be pressured to self ID?

Keep at it.

MPs are only human. They're not Demi-gods. You absolutely have a right as his constituent to have your concerns recognised & addressed.

Many of them are trying very hard not to be 'on the wrong side of history'. They think it's like gay rights.
They really haven't thought through the implications.

RollingCrone- you have done a good thing by writing. If nothing else, you will have drawn it to his attention. Made him think

From my daughters and I thank you crone .

We've just got to all keep going?

From twitter

Thank you LongWeek I will keep going. There is such fear around this. #No debate has really scared people off.

I support every woman I can on twitter who have been no platform ed etc (Owen Jones has blocked me).
There are women on there I would like to ask out straight. But i'm scared of endangering their positions .

We shouldn't be scared to talk

I am going to need a bit of help. I'm not very well educated. Everything I have learned have learned has primarily been from posters here, who have directed me to various blogs. sad Oh God
Please don't worry about this. It's his job to reassure you. Go and meet him, stay calm and think of a line to use. If what he says doesn't reassure you or you don't understand it say the line. Something like "I'm really concerned about (children being prescribed health damaging drugs/women being imprisoned with rapists) and what you just said hasnt reassured me. Could you explain again?"
Don't let him make you feel stupid. If you don't understand he's not being clear enough (or he is talking meaningless placatory bullshit)