As an elected representative, it is vitally important to hear from constituents and others telling me how they’ll be affected by the actions of government. MPs should be open and accessible and listen to the views of people affected by legislation. Following a general unease that big business might have too much influence, pressure grew to regulate lobbying companies, which, at their best, act as a lubricant in the operation of democracy, ensuring that people are better informed. There is a danger that attempts to regulate, actually close down and inhibit access to our democracy. The Lobbying, Non-party Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Bill is the Government’s attempt to deal with the issue; introducing a statutory register of consultant lobbyists and establishing a registrar to enforce the registration. It risks imposing regulation on everyone from charities to micro single issue groups opposing a bypass or supporting a new bus route though to online political commentators. Every aspect of life is, or can be, political in one way or another, it is almost impossible to regulate everything or everyone who may have an impact on the political process. There is a real danger of causing more harm than good; we must ensure that any law doesn’t impede freedom of speech or prevent legitimate campaigning. I was pleased to meet with a large group of constituents who came along to my constituency surgery recently to raise their concerns about the measure and the way it would affect people’s right to participate in the political process. Our meeting was useful and constructive .I would expect some significant amendments will be made during the bill’s passage through Parliament; the Government says it has listened to our concerns and will change the bill itself when Parliament returns after the party conferences.