On 28 February, Christine Grainger joined campaigners to lobby Government for compensation for all infected and affected by the contaminated blood scandal. Here, she shares her experiences of “green carding” her MP.
It’s a first for me, I have visited London many times for pleasure but events led me to a place where I needed to do something more than venting armchair opinions at Facebook or TV news.
I had emailed my MP several times on the subject of being infected with hepatitis C via tainted whole blood, seeking support. Two emails resulted in written postal responses telling me what I told him with zero commitment, the rest seemed to fall into a black hole. I wanted to see if he would step up if I stepped into Westminster, but was completely lost as to how to do that. I thought that in all probability he would not come to see me.
On 28 February 2024 I joined the mass lobby at Westminster for the contaminated blood cause and figured I would work out what to do by following others.
It was a large queue at the Cromwell Green entrance to get into Westminster via airport type security. Remove your watch, belt, jacket and empty your pockets. A brief bag search and a physical scan, and I was on my way to the large and very impressive medieval Westminster Hall where Queen Elizabeth II laid in state.
Following some co-lobbyists, I continued up the far stairs and to the left to the Central Lobby information desk. I asked for a “green card” to see my MP. I hadn’t known a green card was a thing! It’s a way you can request an audience with your MP in person.
The green card is a small two sheet paper form, the lower part producing a carbon copy of whatever you write on the top copy. You note down who are you, what your topic of concern is, who you wish to see, your address, and your email in case the MP cannot come.
Form complete, I handed it back to the desk and prepared to wait. It can be a long wait, Westminster is a big place. When the MP is found, they can attend to you, or respond in writing on one copy which is returned to the desk for you.
I must admit, I got bored of waiting, fully expecting my MP to be busy elsewhere. I returned to Westminster Hall to meet other people from the lobby. It was very worthwhile as I found myself quite by chance talking to somebody else’s MP who was interested in the topic. He was keen to understand more and wanted to hear our accounts and what we were seeking. Justice! Recognition! Action! Stop the Platitudes! Help those that are currently financially unrecognised and in desperate need of help! Of course, no ranting involved, it was a very polite and a worthwhile conversation.
I then saw people gathered around a door, I’m nosy so I joined them. Sir Keir Starmer appeared, with Dame Diana Johnson behind. I am keen to give my thanks first hand for the unrelenting work Dame Diana has done for our causes. Alas, right now I am shocked to hear my MP appeared and my name was called to return to the information desk. I didn’t get to meet Dame Diana.
I am offered refreshments which my MP kindly provided and he quietly listened to my story, opinions and request for him to support this cause using whatever methods were available to him in his position. He made the right noises, but I can’t say I was convinced any action would be forthcoming.
I left Westminster with an impression that apart from a handful, the majority of MPs have zero grasp on the severity of events for the infected and affected. Much like I was before the Post Office scandal was aired by ITVX, I had a vague awareness of their scandal being a ‘thing’, but the airing of the drama truly hit home by slamming reality between my eyes.
ITVX announced the next drama to follow the Post Office scandal has been fast tracked and will cover the contaminated blood scandal. I sincerely hope they cover the full range of experiences from everyone touched by the tragedy, those who received blood products, blood transfusions, organ transplants and the stories of the bereaved.
I want the general public to see the new drama when it airs and I want them to be shocked and appalled. MPs need to see it and fully understand how abhorrent and shameful their avoidance of dealing with this issue is.
Collectively those who are able need to keep trying to make the government do the right thing.
Write those letters.
Lobby your MP.
Lobby your MP’s opposition.
By Christine Grainger