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It struck me recently that the way things get done in this country is by persistent lobbying on specific issues. With the upcoming BAJR conference set to produce a consensus on what we professionals feel should be changed and how, I think it would be a good idea to get some members of parliament involved. Definitely after the conference when we have an action plan to push, and perhaps invitations to the conference itself could be sent out?
I used this sight
http://www.theyworkforyou.com/ (with a quick search under 'archeaology' in the search everything said in the commons since 2001 field, and a few names kept cropping up.
One, Tim Loughton, mentions in a speech he studied Archeology and Classics at university.
Robert Key, member for Salisbury, has spoken about archeaology, iI think several times in relation to the planning process.
There are a few others, as well as the Minister and under ministers for the DCMS.
Perhaps someone with more time could find out more!
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Obviously, there is also Lord Renfrew who sits in the House of Lords and also chairs the All Party Parliamentary Archaeology Group (APPAG).
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Apologies for the typos above, I can spell and use words correctly when I take my time.
Also, it should go without saying that an MP willing to lend a friendly ear to archaeologists should be jumped on whatever their party membership and voting record on other issues!
If we could have just one voice in the commons....
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Quote:quote:Originally posted by illuminated
Also, it should go without saying that an MP willing to lend a friendly ear to archaeologists should be jumped on whatever their party membership and voting record on other issues!
Strongly disagree!!
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Hmm. Not sure Kevin. Lobbying is ubiquitous in business no matter what political persuasion. If we have to play the game in order to improve our working conditions, pay and the protection of archaeology, then its worth it. Everyone else is doing it and we can't afford to leave ourselves behind.
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Illuminated - I think that Robert Key is also a Trustee of Wessex Archaeology. He has often spoken about the Stonehenge road issues.
Beamo
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Quote:quote:Originally posted by Sparky
Hmm. Not sure Kevin. Lobbying is ubiquitous in business no matter what political persuasion. If we have to play the game in order to improve our working conditions, pay and the protection of archaeology, then its worth it. Everyone else is doing it and we can't afford to leave ourselves behind.
Ok here's a hypothetical. There is an archaeologist in Bradford who is also a local councillor for the British National Party. If he were to ever be elected as an MP, would you feel happy to lobby him because of his interest in archaeology and at the same time ignore his views on other issues.
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a. Lewthwaite hasn't worked in archaeology for a LONG time
b. He was never likely to be very supportive of your views any way.
c. IF you were living in an area which returned a BNP candidate to parliment I think you would have more pressing concerns than lobbying for archaeology
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Yes, Kevin, I would lobby an MP belonging to the BNP or any other party whose views I do not share. That is the purpose of an MP, to represent his/her constituents whether they voted for him/her or not. In any event archaeology is not a major plank in the BNP's policies as far as I am aware (but I am not familiar with them in detail, mercifully) so I see no reason why the MP should not assist in the matter.
We owe the dead nothing but the truth.
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An example of how lobbying MP's regarding archaeology can be multi-faceted...
In the early 90's I was invited to attend the Houses of Parliament to meet the then Labour Shadow Arts Minister, after having written to complain about heritage cuts the Government were proposing. I got as far as the terrace bar with an MoL colleague, met the Labour MP, who then went back into the building to buy us a drink. We were left alone with another guest of the MP, who turned out to be the chief executive of an Inner London Borough. I mentioned to the CE that we were there also lobbying on behalf of the local museum archaeologists based in this London borough, but was a bit taken aback when she said 'Why? They're rubbish. Which is why [u]we</u> want to shut them down'.
