Bob kindly provided his reasons as to why he supports the use of EDMs. Some fair points.
EDMs are sometimes frivolous, as are speeches in debate, for instance, congratulating football teams. But they do raise issues and measure support across parties so the media and ministers know what people think is important. MPs are often asked, sometimes by hundreds of constituents, to support particular EDMs and pressure groups find them helpful for getting the message out.
I did not support any at all in my first term in office and was heavily criticised for that. So I listened and changed and now table and support many EDMS, but I try to avoid the silly ones.
A couple of counters from me to the points Bob makes to stimlate the debate.
I’m not sure why you were crticised. I would have countered that I would not sign any as I felt they were generally a costly exercise and didn’t achieve much. Whilst many of the issues that ae the subject of EDMs are very very virtuous it does not mean that a costly sytem should be perpetuated. Who can argue with an EDM that congratulates a constituent for doing something for charity? The sentiment is right – but maybe a letter of congratulations and a photo with their MP would generate as much publicity and wouldn’t incur so much cost.
EDMs are not always foucssed on what people think is important. It can often be what a campaign group thinks is important. How about this as a reform. Stop printing them. Change their name to something that is meaninful (I wonder how many MPs know whay they are called Early Day Motions), and to really reflect what “people think” allow people to sign them….. so in effect have electronic petitions.
Yes the media do cover them locally…. but they would also cover something with a simple press release and perhaps a photo call in my view.
