Influencing politicians Which? regularly meets with politicians to ensure consumers needs are at the heart of government

Peter Vicary-Smith with The Chancellor, David Davis and Vince Cable June 2010

Which? chief executive Peter Vicary-Smith delivers the recommendations of the Future of Banking Commission to the coalition government

All political parties

Talking to politicians of all political parties is a really important way for Which? to do its work in delivering positive change for UK consumers and making individual consumers as powerful as the organisations they face in their everyday lives.

We regularly brief MPs, Peers, AMs, MLAs, MSPs and MEPs on the issues that Which? members and consumers tell us that they want improved.

2011 party conferences

Each year, Which? delegates attend the political parties' annual conferences to help shape our campaigning agenda and lobby politicians on consumer issues.

We produce a conference guide for politicians to demonstrate how we make people's lives fairer, simpler and safer.

The 2011 guides feature an interview with a leading politician from each political party - Chris Huhne MP for the Liberal Democrats, Chris Leslie MP for Labour, and Greg Barker MP for the Conservatives. The guides are available at the conferences and can be downloaded here:

Support from consumers

We sometimes ask consumers to help us influence politicians.

From lobbying financial secretary Mark Hoban MP to ban debit card surcharges through to asking Ofgem to simplify energy tariffs; consumer support helps politicians understand that these issues are influencing your lives today.

Ed Balls MP and Peter Vicary-Smith

Which? hosted an event with shadow chancellor Ed Balls MP to discuss banking reform

Our successes

Here are just some of the things we've successfully lobbied politicians and governments to do over the years:

  • The 2010 Energy Act put an end to the unfair 65 Days Rule which allowed companies to wait 65 days before informing their customers of a price change
  • In 2004 the EU enacted food laws that require food companies to label GM ingredients.
  • The Scottish government agreed this year to allow people to have a lay supporter in court if they can't find or afford a lawyer
  • Legislation agreed in 2008 mean consumers can now get access to a free, independent redress service for estate agent complaints
Which? works for you