There’s a lot going on in the world right now and it can sometimes feel overwhelming. I try my best to make good decisions and speak up for things that aren’t right. I’m told regularly that ‘every little helps’ and sometimes that can feel hard to believe. But the truth is – these small actions really do matter! 

Campaigners like you are making a difference every day

Part of my job is to bring together results of the campaigns run by The Wildlife Trusts. I take this information and I work out how it makes an impact, and if it has influenced any politicians or other decision makers in any way.  

A recent example where your collective voice has truly mattered is the campaign around the Nuclear Regulatory Review. You have had a real impact.  

The emails you sent to MPs asking them to take action have worked in many cases. Over 100 MPs have signed the Early Day Motions (EDMs) and an open letter expressing concern about the nature-damaging recommendations made by the Review. That is in large part thanks to you. This is a significant number of cross-party MPs taking action, signing expressions of concern, attending briefing meetings and asking questions in Parliament. All because you asked them to. 

The impact you have is also evident when you share the responses you have had from your MPs. There are positive ones, and there are ones following the party line with a standardised response. While this can feel disheartening, it’s actually a good thing. It means the MPs or their researchers have had to approach party HQ for an answer. This tells us the issue is being discussed at a higher level. Again, great for visibility and it keeps the topic on the political radar. 

Your persistence is paying off

We’ve also heard from a number of supporters whose MPs said they wouldn’t sign the Early Day Motion (EDM). 

Sometimes MPs really don't sign EDMs, but in some cases we found that MP’s party had proposed their own EDM. When supporters went back to explain this, their MP then signed the version their party proposed. A brilliant outcome. 

So, the next time someone says to you ‘every little helps’, remember that it really is true! Over 100 MPs and peers are taking action about the Nuclear Regulatory Review - and that’s down to your collective pressure. 

Your voice matters and together you’re making a real difference.