Update on Campaign thus far

The resistance campaign is now into its fifth day. Thus far:

1. Over 3,500 people have visited the campaign website
2. Over 2,200 people have signed the supporters' petition
3. Over 350 MPs have so far received emails from constituents via the site asking them to sign the charter
4. Eleven news websites (including bbc online, guardian and telegraph) have run the story

We have updated the website yesterday with revolving pics on the homepage and will add accessibility features tomorrow (text size, contrast options). A facebook campaign page will be set up later this week and linked from the homepage.

We can help the campaign further by:

1. Linking to the petition page from our websites (44% of our visitors are currently coming to us via other websites) Biggest referring sites so far include Facebook, BBC, Yahoo, CNK, Not Dead Yet, Guardian
2. Drawing it to the attention of friends and networks and getting them to sign the petition and email their MPs
3. Following us on twitter and retweeting our tweets :-) -

Email us with:

1. Any web articles we can link or your own articles (3-500 words) which we can blog
2. Any feedback and replies from MPs
3. Any suggestions and feedback about the campaign
4. Any requests for free DVDs

Many thanks

The Resistance Charter - Full wording

This is the full wording of the resistance charter that we are asking MPs to sign up to:

‘RESISTANCE’ CHARTER 2010

1. Disabled and terminally ill people deserve and are entitled to the same protection in law as everyone else.

2. I value the lives of all disabled and terminally ill people and the contributions they make to society.

3. I will seek opportunities to ensure disabled and terminally ill people in my constituency have access to the health, social care and other services they need to live with dignity.

4. I believe that disabled and terminally ill people seeking assistance to end their lives should receive the same support provided to any other person with suicidal thoughts and be encouraged to live.

5. I will support palliative care and independent living services in my constituency and work with those seeking to ensure they are available to all who would benefit from them.

6. I am willing to meet with disabled and terminally ill people in my constituency who are fearful of any change in the law on assisted suicide and to take account of their views.

7. I will seek to maintain the legal protection offered by the current law, which is that assisted suicide is illegal.

'RESISTANCE' CHARTER 2010- Protecting the lives of disabled and terminally ill people

Disabled and terminally ill people fear calls to legalise assisted suicide and euthanasia are likely to intensify. Our concerns are heightened by the current economic climate and calls from MPs from all parties for public service cuts.

We, and our families, rely upon such services to live with dignity. Quality services make the difference between a fruitful life, led independently, and mere survival. We face a bleak situation as calls for assisted suicide to be lawful are renewed, whilst vital services are being withdrawn or denied.

Against this background, Not Dead Yet UK is asking all MPs to reassure disabled and terminally ill people by signing up to our Charter.