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Great turnout expected for mass lobby of MPs

Written by Jessica Bomford, February 22, 2024

We’re expecting a strong turnout for the mass lobby of MPs which takes place on Wednesday 28 February. Thank you to everyone who has contacted their MP and made arrangements to attend.

We’ll be using the lobby to call on the government to pay compensation to everyone infected and affected by the contaminated blood scandal. With only a week to go before the Budget on 6 March, the time is right to ask for a commitment that compensation will be paid. We’ll also be demanding transparency from the government over any plans it may have for a compensation scheme.

As there has been a lot of media interest in the mass lobby we will be gathering outside Parliament from 10am to give us time to take photos and for journalists to do interviews. Although we cannot take banners into Parliament, we can use photos, placards and banners in the photo call beforehand. Please note that there is a separate meeting point for anyone who does not want to be photographed or identified.

This lobby has been organised in consultation with a number of other campaign groups and the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Haemophilia and Contaminated Blood. Everyone infected or affected by contaminated blood or blood products is welcome.

What to expect on 28 February:

10am – For anyone willing to be photographed or interviewed by the media, meet on Abingdon Street Gardens (also known as College Green), Abingdon Street, a two-minute walk from the Houses of Parliament. There will be a group photo at 10.40am and we will begin to head through security using the Cromwell Green entrance. If anyone has placards or banners, colleagues from the Haemophilia Society can take these to our offices on Borough High Street, if you choose.

10.15am – For anyone who does not want to be identified or photographed, meet at the George V statue, Abingdon Street, which is directly opposite the House of Commons’ Cromwell Green entrance. This group will go through security first.

10.40 onwards – Make our way into Westminster Hall through security. We have been asked to do this in groups of 20, which will be organised on the day.

11am Lobby begins in Westminster Hall. Campaigners will meet their MPs and we expect other MPs to come to Westminster Hall to find out more about the contaminated blood scandal and the need for compensation.

Noon – Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons. If you have not already arranged a ticket to attend via your MP then it will not be possible to watch PMQs live.

12.45pm – Photo call for MPs and campaigners in Westminster Hall

2.30pm – Lobby ends (although there is flexibility if your MP can only meet you later).

You can leave Westminster Hall at any point, it is not necessary to stay until the end, unless you want to.

Other questions

What is a mass lobby?

A mass lobby is when a large number of people contact their MPs and members of the Lords in advance and arrange to meet with them at Parliament all on the same day to focus attention on one issue.

Can I get my MP to meet me if they haven’t responded to my letter?

You have the right to ask to see your MP, known as ‘green carding’. Once parliamentary business is under way, you can go to Central Lobby, a hub between the House of Commons and the House of Lords, and request a meeting with your MP. This request will be made to the MP’s office. If they are in Parliament, the convention is that they should meet with their constituent.

What should I say to my MP?

There’s no right or wrong answer to this. The most important thing is for your MP to understand the personal impact the contaminated blood scandal has had on you and your loved ones.

If you need other ideas, you could mention:

  • Compensation is urgently needed – all political parties can and should commit to paying it
  • The government should act immediately and transparently to adopt the Infected Blood Inquiry’s recommendations on compensation
  • The upcoming Budget on 6 March is an opportunity for the government to announce money for compensation
  • The need for a swift response to the Infected Blood Inquiry’s final report

How do I get into Parliament?

Information about security and the location of Cromwell Green entrance is here.

I have mobility issues, what should I do?

There are accessible, step free routes into Parliament, including to Central Lobby. We will help you if you need extra support.

What happens if I’m late or delayed?

Don’t worry. You can enter Parliament through Cromwell Green at any time on 28 February. Come to Westminster Hall when you are through security and you’ll find the group.

Any other queries?

If you have any questions contact us at [email protected].

We look forward to seeing you there.