National Joint Lobby of Parliament
Wednesday 22 October 2008
"Decent state pensions for all generations"
Theme
This event has been jointly organised with the TUC and the trade union movement in order to stress that the campaign for a decent state pension is an issue not just for today’s pensioners, but for future generations as well. We are therefore hoping that at least one pensioner and one worker from each constituency will see their MPs on the day.
Key demands
The lobby ties in with the State Pension Centenary campaign and as such, echoes the immediate demands for:
- The basic state pension to be raised above the poverty level (which was £134 a week, but has since been revised to £151)
- The link with earnings or prices (whichever is higher) to be restored
- The state pension to be paid to all existing pensioners on a universal basis
Rally
At 12 noon, there will be a rally in the Methodist Central Hall, Westminster addressed by MPs, trade unionists, pensioner leaders and others. Owing to the large number of people expected to attend, two rooms have been set aside – The Library and Lecture Hall – and we hope to run two simultaneous rallies to encourage maximum attendance. The rallies are expected to close at around 2pm.
Lobby
Anytime from 1pm onwards, lobbyists can make their way over to the House of Commons to see their MPs. Those wishing to take part in the lobby should now write to their MPs asking if they will make themselves available on the day to be lobbied. Owing to the limited space available in the House of Commons, MPs should arrange to meet lobbyists either in the Westminster Hall, Central Lobby or a private room/café.
Arrangements for getting into the House of Commons will be available shortly.
Delegation to Number 10 Downing Street
We also hope to arrange for a joint NPC/TUC delegation to see the Prime Minister sometime during the day of the lobby to present our demands.
Supporting action
Those pensioner groups, trade union branches or other groups not able to come to London on the day of the lobby are encouraged to organise some event in their local area on the same day at 12 noon. This could be a march or rally, demonstration or some other activity. This action could help spread the message even further and encourage more people to get involved in the campaign.
Campaign materials
The NPC will be producing flyers, briefing notes and campaign stickers for those attending the lobby, long with newspapers and petitions for those holding events in their local areas. Please contact the NPC office to place an order.
Further information
For further information contact the NPC on 020-7553-6510 or email: info@@npcuk.org.
