DES Justice - Call To Action!
We recently met with some MP representatives at Westminster to discuss how we can move the campaign forward and keep pushing for an inquiry. We have had huge success with highlighting the campaign within the media, however we need to shift our focus back to parliament.
What we need you to do:
Email your MP and request an in person appointment at their surgery
You need to make sure you MP knows what the campaign is about – and how important it is to you. Then you need to request that they table oral and written questions to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) on your behalf. The more MP’s who table questions on our behalf, the more chance we have of getting one. The more our campaign is talked about – the more chance we have of getting the matter debated. We have to keep the pressure on.
We know from speaking to MP’s staffers that if you ask to see your MP about a matter that is personal to you, you are more likely to get an appointment, than say, if you were to write and express your concern about a more generic issue. So make sure you put in the headline ‘I would like an appointment to discuss a personal matter'.
Be sure to tell your MP that we already have the support of MP's Layla Moran and Jessica Toale, both of whom have had oral questions. Jessica Toale has also submitted written questions, you can read these here:
Written questions submitted by Jessica Toale - MPs and Lords - UK Parliament
Be sure to tell your MP that the government is listening. We have had a commitment from Secretary of State for Health, Wes Streeting that he will meet with the campaign. Furthermore we have had an apology from him regarding the scandal and suffering and we have had a meeting with a Junior Minister.
It might help if you print out the cross party letter that was sent to Wes Streeting here and the response that we received.
This note is the comments that we have had from junior ministers since our meeting and following recent press coverage.
Once your MP realises this is an issue already under discussion – they should be more inclined to help.
‘But I feel anxious asking to meet my MP – what will I say ?’
Your MP works for YOU. They have a duty to represent the views of their constituents. We know that they respond well when they are presented with clear needs and a clear ask.
Tell them about DES and how it is affected you – make it personal.
Tell them about the campaign group – give them a copy of our leaflet and our campaign statement here.
Our aims are simple: AWARENESS, SCREENING , ACCOUNTABILITY.
Show them the letters we have had so far.
Ask them to get in touch with Jessica Toale and join the working group of MP’s on this issue.
Ask them to table a question to the DHSC - examples can be ‘We know the Health Sec agreed to meet the group, when will this be?’, ‘Will the government show some accountability for this harm?’, ‘What is the government doing to make sure that GP’s know about DES?’, ‘Will the DHSC work with NICE to issue guidelines to healthcare practitioners who care for those suffering from DES?’, ‘How will the government extend the current guidelines for cervical screening include those impacted by DES?’, ‘What will this government do to help those impacted by DES to be heard?’, ‘Why does the UK have no specialists on DES and yet the Netherlands have one in every hospital?’, ‘This government has apologised – it is not enough – those who suffer need to know why this happened – will the government commit to an inquiry?’, ‘In other countries, DES is taught in medical school – not here – why? How can this be addressed?’ Or whatever question that you want the answer to – but it has to be succinct and clear – especially if the MP has to ask it orally.
Don’t be put off – be persistent and firm – ask them WHEN they are going to do it.
Our advice from the staffers was to make irritants of ourselves!
If you would like to read more about how questions are tabled and selected, there is more information here: Questions - MPs' Guide to Procedure - UK Parliament
I also think it is a good idea to show them how successful the campaign is: here is a link to a condensed version of our most recent newsletter that you can show them.
You can also show them the only evidence we can find that the government has tried to alert healthcare practitioners – it is a letter to the cancer alliance - not GP’s, not the Royal College of Gynaecologists, not primary care or nurses – it is not good enough. They need to do more. We cannot have DES sufferers not being able to access the help, care and support they need.
If you cannot access a printer, most libraries will be able to help. If you are really stuck, drop us a line and we will post some materials to you.
Get your surgery appointment, go armed, and be prepared. Make them commit their support, follow-up. Be persistent.
This is in your hands.
Recent Media Coverage
Our very brave member Chrissy has talked about the suffering of her family due to the toxic effects of DES and the inter-generational scandal. Click the button below to read.
Staying Connected
The Facebook group DES Daughters and Sons Support Group UK is live and active. You can join via the button below.
The group has been created by the incredibly brave Suzanne, who talked about her lifetime of destructive health problems as a result of her mother being prescribed DES for an ITV News documentary.
You can also watch this video message from Suzanne, who shares her hopes for the Facebook group and why she encourages you to join. This is a safe, private space for those affected by DES to chat privately and share experiences. To be clear, the group is not run by Broudie Jackson Canter. This is a separate safe space ran by Suzanne to help connect DES Daughters and Sons.
You can get in touch with us at DESJustice@broudiejacksoncanter.co.uk.
Do take care and, as always, drop me a line if you want to chat, I do this work alongside my regular case load, so it may not always be immediate – but I will get back to you.
I am helped on the DES inbox by Gabriel, Sorcha, and Laura. They all are passionate about this campaign and your information is dealt with in the strictest of confidence. Information can be overwhelming, so please take care of yourself and step away if you need to do so.
In solidarity,
Clare (Partner)
