Message from Sadiq Khan MP
Posted by Sadiq Khan, MP for Tooting, at 09:15, Wed 22 October 2008:
Thank you for getting in touch. I understand you have received this through the 'Hear from your MP' website.
If there is a particular issue you would like to hear from me about please write to me at House of Commons, SW1A 0AA.
Alternatively I write a weekly email about my work in Parliament, Tooting and the Department for Communities and Local Government. If you would like to subscribe please email sadiqkhanmp@parliament.uk with 'Sign Me Up' in the subject.
It's a great way for me to keep in touch with constituents so I recommend you sign up.
This week I held a reception in the House of Commons for subscribers which was very well attended. The Rt Hon Hazel Blears MP, the Rt Hon Jack Straw MP and the Hon Dawn Butler MP all spoke and answered questions from the guests.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact my office in the House of Commons on 020 7219 6967.
Kind regards,
Sadiq Khan MP
Comments
Commenting on this message is now disabled.
Posted by Ben Fleming-Williams, 10:19, Wed 22 October 2008: (Is this post abusive?) #
It's great that Mr Khan is willing to send a message via HearFromYourMP, but he doesn't seem to see a difference between this service and other forms of communication he already offers (post, weekly email, phone).
Personally, I see this site as an opportunity for more informed and democratic discussion on an issue, because it is removed from his direct control. Mr Khan's weekly emails are a one-to-many form of communication, where his views are broadcast to an audience, but any follow-up conversations (bringing up new facts, or different interpretations) are on a one-to-one basis with an individual constituent.
At HearFromYourMP, Mr Khan would be able to bring up a relevant topic (e.g. the congestion charge) and it would then gather (hopefully intelligent) input and feedback, visible to all Tooting constituents. It moves the focus from a one-to-many broadcast to a many-to-many discussion. Rather than Mr Khan being tugged in different directions by people with opposing views, each side could be exposed directly to - and debate with - the people with differing opinions on an issue. It might make Mr Khan's job easier, and it might get more people interested/involved in local issues.
Giving up direct control would be a brave step for him to take - and a portion of the comments might make wild accusations or represent fringe opinions. But that's a reflection of real life - and I believe the majority of constituents would be able to differentiate the useful comments from the less useful ones.
I should say that I'm not in any way associated with the organisers of this site - I'm just keen for the idea to be accepted, and think it's a shame that Mr Khan doesn't yet seem to recognise the potential advantages.
Best wishes,
Ben