Clarion Article

Published on Thu 1st Jul 2004

Raising awareness in different ways on a variety of issues:

As we approach the end of the parliamentary session I thought I would outline some of the less publicised parliamentary processes which I have been involved in during the last few weeks. I do sign a large number of Early Day Motions (EDM's) and I have recently tabled several myself. Early Day Motions are sometimes known as political graffiti but nevertheless have their uses. Every parliamentary day brings forward some new calls for action from individual MP's on certain issues. MPs then choose whether to add their names .The object is to get as much support as possible and draw attention to particular problems. Often interest groups will contact their supporters and ask them to contact their MP and ask in turn for their support.

I initiated one EDM which asked the House to congratulate the organisers, participants and supporting organisations for Dorset Arts Weeks. I thought it would be a good idea to give national publicity to a tremendous local event and perhaps attract some additional visitors. Following a visit to one of my surgeries from an RSPB campaigner I initiated another EDM on protecting Albatrosses. Most recently, I tabled an EDM on Endometriosis Awareness.

This is an issue which I have been involved with locally and nationally ever since I became an MP and we are beginning to see changes, but there is still a great deal to do. I am Vice Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Endometriosis and along with the EDM we supported an Annual Awareness Day in the House of Commons in July.

Endometriosis is a serious and crippling condition which affects about ten per cent of women. I met with six local sufferers of this debilitating condition who travelled to London to lobby me and other MPs from Dorset. In organising the Annual Awareness Day, the All Party Group has successfully put the issue of research into the condition and access to treatment on the government's health agenda, and has called for more training for GPs and for more specialist services from gynaecologists.

A number of support groups for sufferers have coordinated their campaigning and recently launched a national 'Pain Survey' looking into the effects of endometriosis pain and the quality of life of those affected. If you wish to participate in this survey please see www.endometriosis.appg.org/survey.htm. This will help with research into the range of symptoms and treatments available to women across the country.

I have recently been fortunate enough to obtain a slot for a 10 minute rule Bill for September. This again is really just a matter of raising awareness but the presentation will be yet another new experience for me. I had to register the title of my Bill with the Bill Office in July. I wanted the title to be 'every child should have the right to read' but this had to be translated into parliamentary language and now has the title 'Access to Literature (Visually Impaired Children)!