Chagos Redux

Back on Saturday I wrote a post, urging people (or at least those in the UK) to write to their MP and get them to sign Early Day Motion 1355. This was a motion calling for the rescission of the Orders in Council which prevent the Chagossians returning to the islands which were once their home. Anyway I don't know how many people actually made the effort to write (apart from timx!), but I did and I've now received a response. Let's see what my esteemed representative has to say:

Thank you for your recent letter concerning EDM 1355 which I have read with interest.

This seems to be a pro forma start as I'm pretty sure that most, if not all, of the letters I've got from him start like that, but anyway...

You are absolutely right, I cannot support this because it is not an officially sponsored matter...

He's a member of the Shadow Cabinet you see. Wasn't aware of this rule until he used it as an excuse not to sign an EDM on Colombia. Unfortunately I suppose I've got to take his word on it.

...but I will take up this matter with the relevant Minister at the Foreign Office.

Presumably Bill Rammell, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs. I can already guess what he'll say, having read his contribution to the Parliamentary debate on the issue, and I know I'm not going to like it, but at least he'll be aware that somebody cares (it's all about the small victories).

When I have received a response, I shall, of course write to you again but I should warn you that it can take up to six weeks to receive a Ministerial reply.

I can hardly wait.