Act now!
After a number of years of campaigning, the Government has finally published a draft Marine Bill on 3rd April 2008.
However, this is not the end of the story. A draft bill is a bill that has not yet been formally introduced into Parliament. The purpose of introducing a bill in draft form is to allow further consultation and greater parliamentary scrutiny of legislation.
It is now more crucial than ever that the draft bill is followed by a full Marine Bill in the autumn. Again, WWF is calling on the Government to fulfil its 2005 manifesto commitment to bring forward a Marine Act by the next general election. To do this, it must include a Marine Bill in the next Queen's speech in November 2008.
You can still take action to persuade the Government to follow through on its commitment to deliver proper legislation for our seas.
Visit your MP to call for a UK Marine Bill
Your Member of Parliament represents you so should be willing to hear and discuss your views. Your MP can then pass these concerns on, by lobbying Ministers on your behalf to increase the pressure for a full Marine Bill.
The following tips are designed to enable you to find and to arrange a meeting with your MP. Remember, MPs rely on their constituents' votes. The more an MP hears from his/her constituents about the Marine Bill, the more likely they are to take note and take action in Westminster.
1. Find your MP
Find out who your MP is. They can be contacted at House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA or by telephoning the House of Commons switchboard on 0207 219 3000.
2. When to meet your MP
Most MPs will have a constituency 'surgery' once a week - this is your opportunity to meet your MP and discuss your concerns. You can find surgery times on your MP's website ( links to MP websites) or in your local paper or by phoning your MP. It may also be possible to meet your MP at the Houses of Parliament, but do phone in advance.
3. Read up about the UK Marine Bill
Read our WWF Marine Act campaign pages for key points to make to your MP and for useful background information.
4. Tips for a successful meeting
Before the day, think about what you want to get out of the meeting:
- Read up about why a Marine Act is so necessary
- Be clear and concise
- Tell the MP why the issue is a concern to you
- Ask the MP how they are going to take your concern further and specifically if they will write to the Prime Minister to ask for a full Marine Bill to be included in the next Queen's speech
5. Keep us informed
We are very interested to know if you arrange a meeting with your MP and how you get on. Please email us and let us know: oneplanetweb@wwf.org.uk
By visiting your MP you could make a big difference.