Hi John,

just to let you know re the comment on the letter, my opinion is that this is not DWP, too well argued for a civil servant, but more likely to be someone connected with Labour Party PR.

There are 2 ways to interpret this:

a) you are creating waves so more of this is to come, as it will become important to discredit you

b) perhaps rewrite or reword sections of the letter to make it bomb proof.

I would take on board the idea that you cannot allege an action without giving examples. Perhaps mention the fact that no empirical data is yet available as the DLA review is ongoing and no stats have been published as to how this has been effective (nor are they likely to be as it's going wrong). I would mention the curious press cold shoulder on this issue as it is clear there is an agenda away from informing the general public as to how this process is being conducted.

When we last spoke about these issues, back in June, I did stress the importance of trying to persuade people to allow themselves to be quoted, precisely because it gives you maximum credibility. Unfortunately moral rectitude will always be overshadowed by facts and how they are presented. And this is a game involving presenting of facts.

The advantage of quotes, or personal experience, is that an MP's assistant will be able to connect with the Human Interest side of the issue and will pass this on.

Perhaps a more detailed explanation of the processes involved will also help, as it will demonstrate unequivocally HOW the process is failing.

Unfortunately, PR's and communication officers will want information readily laid out for them. They won't want to research topics unless they need specific details (legal, medical, technical etc.)

You need to give them the basics in bullet form.

Most of these people have journalistic training and if you submit something to them which is poorly constructed, they will simply dismiss it as too much work.

A hot issue is one that is presented in black and white. That's how they think.

You are also competing against about 500 other small single issue groups for attention.

I know that you were cross with my last email as I was pushing you for a more proactive approach to your PR. I am NOT, emphatically so, criticizing you, your work, your achievements, I am simply attempting to pass on the benefit of my knowledge to help you on your way to achieving your goals.

As I have always stated from the beginning, I am here to help. Please make use of me. I won't be able to be freely available for much longer, so please do.

Something connected to World Aids Day could really be thought about to raise awareness of your agenda and how the current reforms are affecting the HIV+ community in the UK.

Anyway,

All the best,

James