EqualityBill.com – why online campaigning needs to be part of the legislative process

By Theo Grzegorczyk

When Tim Montgomerie was developing the idea for ConservativeHome, he considered postponing the launch date until the Conservative Leadership Election was under way. The logic was that the site would only become an effective forum for debate if there were actually a serious debate going on within the party at the time.

Four years later, similar discussions have been taking place as the Labour Party looks at ways of improving its online operation. But I think the question for us is not about debate (important though it is) but about whether or not we have clear objectives. What do we want to achieve by improving our online campaigns?

In opposition, the objective is to gain power: a clear and unchanging mission. At election time, the objective is to win: a simple goal to aim for, even for those already in power. But in Government, the objectives can become muddied or diluted as multiple agendas take different priorities at different times.

This is why I believe we have to begin approaching each piece of new legislation with the same vigour and energy with which we run our election campaigns. Obama has already paved the way, turning his election campaign team into ‘Organizing For America’ – a grassroots movement that promotes his administration’s policies as they move through Congress. Obviously, with a large Parliamentary majority and an entrenched system of party whips, there is not as much of an imperative to look outside Westminster for our support. But this is not just about making sure we have sufficient votes for the bill on Second Reading, or using members of the public as a sort of alternative whipping operation.

It’s about making sure that those inside Westminster stay in touch with the hopes and concerns of those outside. It’s about reminding legislators and citizens alike that our current Government was elected to pursue a certain agenda, and about holding them to that commitment. Ultimately, it is about making the law better.

Because as the bill moves from Commons to Lords, from one committee to the next, the involvement of more voices can only make the law stronger. And in setting up EqualityBill.com, that has been our aim.

So, like Waheed, I want to urge you to join the activity on our site: lobbying, connecting, and spreading the word. If we are successful, then we will not only play a role in promoting Equality in Britain, but also in setting an example for public engagement in future legislation.