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Feminism: Sex and gender discussions

Contacting my MP re GRA reform - Data privacy concern.

4 replies

Fluffymule · 08/03/2018 20:37

Hello all.
This is my first post to the Feminist boards - indeed my first post after a gap of many years posting anywhere on Mumsnet.

I've been a lurker and follower of the conversations here for a good year or so now, reading and learning around the issues of transgender as a feminist issue.

I've been moved by the thread earlier where a poster had written to their MP, and also by it being IWD, to actually do something tangible. I guess I feel frustrated and powerless as this TRA movement is gaining traction and political influence and I see women being silenced and worried, afraid even.

So I've drafted a letter to my MP (member of the Government but not high profile or a Grandee) to highlight a few concerns I have and ask for some clarity on the Government's position and timetable. I'm keen to send it.

I feel if enough MPs are being questioned about this and hearing real constituency concerns - I've said it will be perhaps the main criteria for my local and national voting decisions in any forthcoming elections - that it might just get on the radar of a few more people.

However, I'm very anxious about the potential for my communications with him to become viewable public data at some point. I'm not sure whether MPs have to record or register copies of constituency communications, where my name and address are accessible too. Can anyone advise?

I've looked at his website and it doesn't provide any information that helps. I feel both angry and embarrassed that I may be in a position where I need to email him first to ask him these privacy questions/concerns before I dare email him my actual letter.

What has it come to when I am afraid that approaching my elected representative in our Parliament could, at some point now or in the future, pose a threat to my safety or my employment? Another way in which people are being silenced.

OP posts:
Fluffymule · 08/03/2018 20:49

Thank you XXHelenaXX for that link.

I will take some time to read it now, much appreciated.

OP posts:
UpstartCrow · 08/03/2018 20:52

It would be a breach of the data protection act for them to reveal your details, or for anyone else to access them, make a copy, or pass them on.
Thats no guarantee it would never happen.

LongWeek · 09/03/2018 23:01

Fluffymule I work for an MP.

If a communication between an MP and constituent were ever made public as you describe, it would be a massive breach of the data protection act. MPs have to register as data controllers with the information commissioner. They cannot legally release anything publicly.
It would be TOTALLY outrageous for an MP to make this public. As well as illegal.
The people likely to see it are the MP and his/her staff who are bound by the same level of confidentiality.
If I were to release an email to the MP to the public, even if with no identifying names etc I would be sacked by my MP (and I'm married to him)
Not all MPs are brilliant at constituent communication, but if they don't keep it secure they are breaking the law.
Hth

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