Campaigns vary, the methods that RNIB uses vary depending on the issue, the challenges that we face and the audience at whom our messages are targeted. Lobbies of Parliament are most effective when they are used at pivotal points during a campaign, when they have significant support from Campaigners and when MPs engage with the call to action.
Shortly after the launch of the DLA Campaign we lobbied Parliament to demonstrate to MPs how important this issue was to their visually impaired constituents, to encourage them to support their constituents and the campaign. A second Lobby of Parliament, an unusual step for any campaigning organisation, showed the Government that campaigners and the many MPs who by this time supported the campaign weren't going to take no for answer.
Lobby 2008
On 15 October over 1,500 people lobbied Parliament about the DLA campaign. This was the largest ever lobby of Parliament by blind and partially sighted people.
Campaigners from around the UK travelled to Westminster to show how angry they are with the Government. The Government has said that, whilst it says it understands our arguments and is sympathetic to our aims, it is unable to make a commitment to extend eligibility to claim the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance to people with severe sight loss at this time.
The Government was left in no doubt about the strength of feeling amongst campaigners. Many MPs met with constituents. Some have subsequently signed Early Day Motion 1982, increasing the number of signatories to 235.
Jonathan Shaw MP, recently appointed Minister for Disabled People, addressed the Lobby. It was clear that he supports the principle of extending the higher rate mobility component of DLA to people with severe sight loss. The issue now seems to be around how the change would be made and when the Government would be in a position to implement it.
Lobby 2006
Over 1200 blind and partially sighted people attended the parliamentary lobby at the House of Commons on 4 December 2006.
It was undoubtedly the largest lobby by blind and partially sighted people ever and arguably one of the largest ever lobbies of Parliament to date. It was a great event and powerfully demonstrated to the Government the strength of feeling amongst blind people about the Disability Living Allowance issue.
The support for the campaign amongst MPs is considerable and is growing. 195 MPs have so far signed the Early Day Motion. This is the second highest level of support out of 500 current EDMs tabled in this session of Parliament. Over 50 MPs were available at Westminster Hall to meet with their constituents.
At Westminster Hall we had speakers from all political parties as well as Anne McGuire the Minister for Disabled People. The Minister said she understands the level of feeling on this issue and that her Department was working with RNIB to find a solution.