Richard Drax MP fighting for Portland coastguard helicopter (From Dorset Echo)

• "Whilst it's important to continue the fight to save the helicopter I don't believe the e-petition is likely to be very effective. Firstly, the total population of Weymouth + Portland, including children, is between 60,000 - 65,000. Even allowing for other people along the Jurassic Coast the prospects of raising 100,000 signatures must be very slim. Secondly, even if that figure is reached, there is no obligation for Parliament to debate the issue - it simply goes to a committee for consideration. Thirdly, a debate in Parliament featuring a small number of interested MPs is unlikely to force the government to change their policy. As our previous MP proved, the most effective tactic is to keep lobbying hard personally. Although a show of public support is helpful, success will only come about if the MP is prepared to keep pressing the case in meetings with the relevant ministers."
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