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The devolved parliaments in the UK have different political structures that require a unique campaigning approach. Campaigning in the EU can be even more complicated! The British Heart Foundation's Advocacy Manager, Julia Toft, and Scottish Advocacy Co-ordinator Ben McKendrick will look at some of the key issues related to campaigning in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and the EU including the role and targeting or politicians elected through proportional representation, and running campaigns in different languages. The session will also look at specific tools in the e-activist platform to help with messaging, the use of re-direct options, and the use of client contact databases.
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Campaigning with devolved Governments and the EU
Ben McKendrick & Julia Toft – the British Heart Foundation
The theory…
• What is devolution?• How we campaign (in
Scotland and beyond)• Why is devolution/
Europe important?• One size doesn’t fit all –
where it doesn’t work so well
• Case studies – where it has worked well
The theory…
• Scotland Act 1998, SP 1999
• Devolved/reserved powers?
• Education, foreign affairs, local government, health, taxation, energy, the armed forces, criminal justice
BHF across the UK
What is different at Holyrood to Westminster ?
• Constituency and list MSPs...• Minority govt- so arguments matter• Access to MSPs/Ministers is easier• They expect you to talk to them - first• Effective campaigns less confrontational• Civic society more influential (?)
What doesn’t work at Holyrood?
• Saying - England’s done it, why aren’t you?
• Shouting too loud...
• Bombarding MSPs with content - when they will listen to YOU anyway
• Shoehorning Scottish campaigners into an action eg A Fit Choice?
Case Study - Headline goes here
Case Study - Headline goes here
Cigarette vending machines are totally out of order
Example from Holyrood – vending machines
• BHF focus on Vending machines across UK• Building consensus- eg via CPG• Close working with Ministers, SPADs, other parties• Govt and other parties onside....
Then - Industry lobby + change in Labour ranks = a last minute wobble...• 2 weeks of intense lobbying to get a u turn...
When e-campaigning really worked
• Parliamentary motion- 26 signatures, 4 party support- campaigners crucial
• Using the media- eg letters to editors• Countering the tobacco industry/small retailers’
arguments - in each constituency• Result... Labour vote against own amend• So - as a TACTIC - can be very effective
Case Study - Headline goes here
Campaigning in a 4 nation way can be really hard...
