When I first heard about the Stop AIDS day of action I was excited at the prospect of a day campaigning in London. As I read further, I saw that I needed to write to my MP and ask to meet him on the day. I did this, but then suddenly realised that I would have to confront him on issues to do with the campaign, and panicked. Having only been involved for one year, I didn’t feel I knew enough to ask him his stance on issues like the Robin Hood Tax and the Patent Pool, and didn’t think I’d have the confidence to press for information.

On the day, the morning Question and Answer session gave me some more ideas of what I should ask, but I was still apprehensive about going into parliament.

My MP was completely not what I’d expected at all, and instead of trying to oppose everything I said (which I expected regardless of what party he was from) he actually encouraged me to talk and was very positive about many of the things I mentioned. He even didn’t laugh when I asked a blatantly stupid question to do with how parliament works, and patiently explained it to me. This made me feel a lot more comfortable, and I felt confident to ask a few of my own questions. The visit ended with us all going out onto the green and having a photo together!

I know I was very lucky to have an MP who was supportive of the Stop AIDS campaign, and that he so easily made me feel comfortable, but I definitely feel a lot more confident about tackling MPs on future issues and am raring to go for next year!

Anya Gopfert (Newcastle Stop AIDS)

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