Whilst issues such as climate change and commercial interests are expected to be at the heart of the visit it is essential that the UK government stands up for human rights in China and Tibet on this occasion. We must not let this opportunity pass by. Free Tibet Campaign is calling on Tony Blair to ask Hu Jintao to meet the Dalai Lama. The UK government and the EU should facilitate practical, substantive support to a genuinely non-violent process such as that pursued by the Dalai Lama and which seeks to resolve the long-standing injustice of China's occupation of Tibet.

You may have already signed and posted our action postcard to Tony Blair. We need your support now to create a political atmosphere which the Prime Minister would not be able to ignore.

Action:

1. Write to your MP asking him/her to sign EDM 721 on the visit to the UK of China's President. In addition, request your MP to press the Prime Minister to ask the Chinese President during his visit to meet the Dalai Lama.

Address:

House of Commons London SW1A 0AA or at their constiuency address.

You can find your MP in local directories or by calling the House of Commons Information office on 020 7219 4272.

Alternatively you can send a message to your MP for free viawww.theyworkforyou.com

Guide for Lobbying your MP

EDM Text

"This House notes the forthcoming State Visit of China's President, Hu Jintao, in November and urges the Prime Minister to encourage President Hu to meet the Dalai Lama, in order to resolve China's long-standing occupation of Tibet, and further calls on the Prime Minister to publicly state his concern over Tibet during the course of the State Visit."

(Please send Free Tibet Campaign copies of any responses you receive; this helps us to monitor the situation)