Campaigning with devolved Governments and the EU

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...