Final arrangements have been announced for a joint union lobby of parliament against the Public Bodies Bill on Wednesday February 9. There will be a rally from 12.30 to 2.00 in a marquee at Old Palace Yard (opposite the Commons). Committee rooms 5 and 6 in the House of Commons have been booked from 2pm.

The bill, currently at committee stage in the House of Lords, grants extensive powers to ministers to abolish, merge or change the constitutional and funding arrangements for hundreds of public bodies.

It has faced a barrage of criticism from constitutional experts and an influential Commons select committee.

Prospect deputy general secretary Dai Hudd urged all members to get involved in campaigning against the bill. "It affects us all," he said.

"Consumer and environmental protection will be severely weakened. Our democratic and constitutional traditions will be eroded and organisations which help make us a civilised society will disappear.

"This bill is not in the public interest and we need as many people as possible to write to their MPs outlining their concerns."

If you can attend the lobby, please write to your MP now to book an appointment for February 9. Prospect members who haven't done so should email [email protected] if they intend to attend.

If you can't come along, please write to your MP to ask them to sign early day motion number 1322 and vote against the Bill (download a draft letter) which you can amend.

Read Prospect's campaign document to understand some of the key issues.