6 November: Parliament reopens.
Students lobby Susan Kramer MP at the Stop AIDS day of action
SW/P&P
This is when we need to start getting MPs on board with our campaign — making sure they know what a crucial time it is. They can write to and meet with ministers to talk about what the government should be doing, and sign Early Day Motions.
1 December: World AIDS Day
World AIDS is recognised internationally, taking place annually to raise awareness of the AIDS pandemic. It’s always an important time for raising the profile of our campaign and getting more people involved. This year it takes place just when DFID are writing their AIDS strategy for the next three years — meaning our action will be especially important. Use World AIDS Day to collect as many video messages as you can.
If you’re fundraising on World AIDS Day, please don’t forget People & Planet. Political campaigning on AIDS is particularly difficult to fundraise for, but we hope you’ll agree it’s vitally important!
January/February: The pressure’s on
Time to present our video messages to DFID, ahead of the new AIDS strategy.
We also need to test the Treasury. Will they recognise that the stamp duty is feasible and make plans to implement as soon as possible to raise the money so urgently needed to meet their commitments?
Spring: DFID publish their new AIDS strategy.
Our job is to make sure it’s a good one! If not, we’ll need to pile on the pressure.
Students protest outside Abbott’s UK headquarters
Sarah Waldron
April/May: Pharmaceutical company shareholder meetings take place.
Last year we took action at Abbott’s UK headquarters after they had tried to prevent Thailand from buying drugs to treat its poorest AIDS patients. We might need to be prepared to take action again if companies continue to block access to treatment.