Luckily, Deborah from INQUEST contacted me. But for INQUEST contacting me, Adam's case would just be another dirty blanket left unturned. It would be another dirty blanket left behind closed doors for the Government to keep quiet about. It was through INQUEST, and my solicitors and others, that we have got where we have today. At Adam's first inquest, the coroner would not tell the jury what the law allowed and didn't allow, so Adam's first inquest was totally flawed. Then we had a big fight to get that inquest overturned and to get it stated that what happened to Adam was unlawful. It has been a really hard struggle, and without INQUEST, where would people be? – Carol Pounder, mother of 14 year Adam Rickwood, who was found hanging in his room following the use of restraint at Hassockfield Secure Training Centre in 2004
Bill A Bill is a proposal for law, which must pass several stages before becoming law, then it may become an Act. Private Members Bills are introduced by a single MP rather than by the Government. The following link gives more information on the way Bills become law: www.parliament.uk/about/how/laws/passage-bill.
Early Day Motion (EDM) A House of Commons resolution to which MPs can add their names to demonstrate support for the ideas or suggestions it expresses. Among other things, this gives a list of supportive MPs and shows the support a particular measure has and if an EDM gets somewhere near 100 signatures on it, the relevant Minister and his/her department start to notice. You can keep track of the number of signatures on-line once the EDM has been set up.
Adjournment debate A debate initiated by a backbench MP in which he/she gets a chance to debate an issue with the relevant minister
Green Paper A consultation document asking for responses on particular policy area (for example, reform of the coroners system) After the consultation period the Government will look at the results and draw up its policy — published in a White Paper. In the past INQUEST and families have had some success in influencing the consultation process and the content of Bills. Families have been asked to give evidence to parliamentary committees and their cases have been used in INQUEST briefing papers and in responses to consultations.
White Paper Document setting out Government policy on an issue. These are often followed by legislation to make the policy an Act.
PPS A Parliamentary Private Secretary is an assistant to a minister.
Remember that all elected politicians whether at a local, national or European level are only there because we as voters lend them our power. They have to respond to you as a voter or constituent and even if the process is difficult or technical, stick with it so your voice can be heard.
