News story
18th March 2002
Steve Webb Becomes Britain's First
"Text-able" MP
Northavon MP Steve Webb has become the first MP in the
country whose constituents can contact him by text
message. The MP has launched the service in response to
the fact that voter turnout among young people is very
low, whereas many young people are quite happy to contact
each other by text message. Steve Webb has been testing
the scheme in the village of Charfield over recent weeks
and has received a lot of positive feedback. Encouraging
replies—all received by text message—included:
“Think it’s a brilliant idea to text your
MP”, “Good idea Steve—hope you can
cope!” and “Mr. Webb, what a great idea to
text”.
The scheme works in two ways. First, local residents
can store Steve Webb’s text number in their phones
for when they need to get in touch with him. Second,
constituents can text their name and address to Steve
Webb and will then be contacted from time to time by text
message to ask for their views on current issues. The
text message number, for use by constituents only, is
07815 832734.
The MP has set up his texting service as part of a wider
drive by the Lib Dem MP to involve local residents in the
decisions that are being taken in
Parliament. He has also set up an e-mailing list for
residents who are willing to give their views on topical
issues. Between the texting and e-mailing services, more
than 300 local residents have opted in to being consulted
for their views in the last month alone. Constituents can
e-mail the MP using the address stevewebb@cix.co.uk with
their name and address to receive more details. More
information can also be found on the MP’s web site,
www.stevewebb.org.uk
Steve Webb said: “We are told that people do not
feel involved in politics, and that this is part of the
reason for low voter turnout, especially among young
people. I think it is vital therefore that MPs make it
easier for people to get in touch with them in ways that
suit the public. I will, of course, continue to respond
to more traditional ways of getting in touch, but I hope
that the fact that I can have a dialogue with people by
text message or e-mail will mean that I can do a better
job of representing the views of local residents”.
*** ENDS ***
Note to editors: At the last General Election, only 3
voters in 5 turned out to vote. Among the under 25s, the
turnout was estimated at only 2 in 5.
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