Phone banking

Calling up a list of numbers, with optional prepared scripts. Generally the purpose is to strike a balance between education and annoyance.

This action was planned a few times through the summer of 2020, this is a summary of the information that was prepared.

Be kind

People taking part in remote actions are asked to treat the people on the phone or over email and social media with respect. Please do not harass or threaten anyone over the phone during this action, as this is not necessary and can put you at risk of charge. Our job is to educate people on the harm of large scale biomass projects. Making calls to be annoying is not helpful for the following numbers, as you will most likely just be talking to a secretary or possibly a call centre worker. If however, you manage to in contact with anyone who actually has power be as annoying as you like!

Briefing

  1. For each contact, there is a main script, a nuance document and a left message.
    • Main Script: skeleton guidance for your call. From “hello” through to ending the conversation.
    • Nuance document: Link to key information about the campaign and Drax facts. Divided thematically.
    • Left message: Suggested voicemail message to leave contacts who don’t answer your call.
  2. Follow up with an email.
    • Make sure to BCC axedrax@pm.me, so in theory we can predict responses in future - or center actions around them.

      Tips. DO…

  3. DO know the script: familiarise yourself with the content and flow. Read it out to yourself. You can even try as a role play with someone you trust (this could be a friend or a member of your local XR group/organisation). This is a way to build confidence before the action :)
  4. DO strive for connection: Try to imagine they’re sitting across from you. Ask questions and try to create a natural “back and forth”. The better you know the script, the easier this will be.
  5. DO refer to #AxeDrax and affiliated groups in the third person: People are more likely to be persuaded by the aims and purpose of the action/campaign, rather than by a stranger telling them how to feel.

    Tips. DON’T …

  6. DON’T worry if you go off script: in fact we encourage riffing on it. However, there are a few pitfalls to avoid such as…
  7. DON’T make assumptions about their age, race, gender, or their attitudes about Drax.
  8. DON’T debate or argue: our task is to educate and not to annoy or anger anybody. If someone is genuinely asking questions, do your best to answer them. However, if someone is clearly disagreeing with you and trying to argue or debate, don’t engage. It’s always OK to say, “I have a lot of calls left to make today so I do have to go. Thanks for your time”.

    Phone numbers to call

    • Your local MP: find their details herePhone them up, expressing your genuine concern about the effects of Drax Power Station on pollution, wildlife and communities. - Ask them to:
      • Write to the BEIS (Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy) ministers Alok Sharma and Kwasi Karteng with their concerns about biofuel subsidies
      • Ask parliamentary questions about biofuel subsidies
    • Request a parliamentary debate around the issue
    • Follow up your call with an email. You can use the Cut Carbon Not Forests email tool, and edit the example as is relevant. Remember to BCC axedrax@pm.me. - Alok Sharma, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).
    • The Department of BEIS makes decisions on where renewable subsidies go, they have the power to Axe Drax. Ask them to:
    • Phone constituency address: 0118 941 3803If you are a constituent of Reading West, then please use this number.
    • London office address: 020 7219 7131For anyone who is not a constituent of his.
    • Email, if you would be more comfortable with that: alok.sharma.mp@parliament.uk - Ed Miliband, Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.​​​​​
    • Phone: 020 7219 7318
    • Email: ed.miliband.mp@parliament.uk
    • MP for Doncaster North so having a local address to hand would be useful. MPs are more likely to talk to you if you live in the local area.
    • Here is an example postcode: DN5 9PH
    • Continue the call as the concerned constituent you are
    • Salford City CouncilBuys energy from Haven Power (Drax Owned Energy Supplier) and has declared a climate emergency
    • 0161 607 6987Salford council procurement, direct line
    • You can also contact them online here
    • Yeo ValleyYeo Valley is a high profile customer of Haven Power, owned by Drax.
    • 01761 462 798
    • hello@yeovalley.co.uk
    • Please ask Yeo Valley to follow through on its environmental commitments by switching from Haven Power to a clean energy supplier.

      📜 Scripts

      🧐 For your local MP and Ed Milliband

      Find their details here

      Left message

      Good morning/afternoon. This is _____ and I am a constituent of _____. I’m reaching out to you to discuss the harmful effect Drax Power Station’s tree burning is having on communities in the UK, in the hopes that you can help to reduce biomass subsidies by writing to Alok Sharma and Kwasi Karteng. If you’d like to hear about this please return my call on [Number] before 5pm today. Thank you.

      Main script

  9. Good morning/Good afternoon, is [YOUR MP] available?
  10. Hello _______ . This is _______ calling on behalf of the #AxeDrax campaign. I am a constituent of [YOUR CONSTITUENCY]. I’m phoning because I am very concerned about the climate crisis and I am particularly worried about Drax Power Station’s fossil fuel and tree burning. Are you aware that Drax Power Station is the greatest emitter of CO2 in the UK?
    1. (IF NO) OK. Although Drax is phasing out coal, their power stations are being converted into biomass plants, with the false claims that this is renewable energy, when in truth burning trees for energy contributes more CO2 to the atmosphere than coal per unit of electricity produced. Continue to 3
    2. (IF YES) That’s good to know that you are aware that the biomass industry isn’t as clean as Drax claims. Continue to 3
  11. Would you be willing to hear more about how Drax is harming communities in the UK?
    1. (IF NO) No problem. I think it’s really important that we remove Drax’s biofuel subsidies, and redirect those towards truly renewable sources of energy, such as solar and wind, instead of using them to transport wood pellets across the planet. It would be great if you could write to the BEIS ministers Alok Sharma and Kwasi Karteng, ask Parliamentary Questions about biofuel subsidies, and perhaps request a parliamentary debate around the issue.
  12. (IF YES) Great. You might already know that the beginning of Drax’s biomass production is in the Southern USA, where large areas of forests are torn down and pelletised in factories. This process harms the communities because it takes away nature and increases pollution, ultimately having a negative effect on health. In the UK, these wood pellets come into a number of ports, one of the biggest being Liverpool’s Peel Ports. Communities in this area experience air pollution as a result of this, and Highways England are also planning to destroy the much loved Rimrose Valley to build a road that will increase transportation of wood pellets to Drax’s Power Station in Yorkshire, despite the claim that it will reduce traffic. This is one of several examples of communities that were never given a choice. Would you be willing to use your authority as an MP to change this? 1. (IF YES) Please could you write to Alok Sharma and Kwasi Karteng and ask them to switch biomass subsidies to genuine renewables under the Levy Control Framework, ask Parliamentary Questions about biofuel subsidies, and perhaps request a parliamentary debate around the issue. We can send you a briefing on this issue, please could you forward any replies back to my email. Thanks again for listening, have a good day.
    1. (IF NO). That’s OK. Thank you for talking to me, have a good day.

      Alok Sharma

      Left message

      Good morning/afternoon. This is _____. I’m reaching out to you to discuss the harmful effect Drax Power Station is having on communities in the UK, in the hopes that you can transfer biomass subsidies to genuine renewables. Please pass on the message to Alok Sharma. If you’d like to hear about this please return my call on [Number] before 5pm today. Thank you.

      Main script

  13. Good morning/Good afternoon, is Alok Sharma available?
    1. Unless you are very lucky, this will be a resounding no. But it’s fun to ask nonetheless!
  14. Hello _______ . This is _______ calling on behalf of the #AxeDrax campaign. I am calling to talk to you about Drax Power Station. Are you aware that Drax Power Station is the greatest emitter of CO2 in the UK?
    1. (IF YES) - That’s good to know _(Skip to 3) _
    2. (IF NO) - No problem (Explain about Drax, use the FAQ document)
  15. That’s good to know that you are aware that the biomass industry isn’t as clean as Drax claims. Would you be willing to hear more about how Drax is harming communities in the UK and USA?
    1. (IF YES) - Great! You might already know that the beginning of Drax’s biomass production is in the Southern USA, where large areas of forests are torn down and pelletised in factories. This process harms the communities because it takes away nature and increases pollution, ultimately having a negative effect on health. In the UK, these wood pellets come into a number of ports, one of the biggest being Liverpool’s Peel Ports. Communities in this area experience air pollution as a result of this, and Highways England are also planning to destroy the much loved Rimrose Valley to build a road that is likely to increase transportation of wood pellets to Drax’s Power Station in Yorkshire, despite the claim that it will reduce traffic. This is one of several examples of communities that were never given a choice. Could you take these issues to Alok Sharma and ask him to move subsidies for biomass to genuine renewables under the Levy Control Framework. (ask for direct email to send details on)
    2. (IF NO) - No problem. Thank you for your time and have a good day.

      Yeo Valley

      01761 462 798 NB Yeo Valley already get power from Octopus Energy (generally good & not from Drax) as well as Haven Power

      Left message

      Good morning/afternoon. My name is _____ and I am calling from the Axe Drax campaign. Could you please get back to me on [Number] about whether Yeo Valley would consider not sourcing its electricity through Haven Power, and fully switch to a provider that does not pollute communities?

      Main Script

  16. Hello _______ . This is _______ calling on behalf of the #AxeDrax campaign. It has come to our attention that Yeo Valley’s energy comes from Haven Power which is owned by Drax. Are you aware that Drax Power Station is the greatest emitter of CO2 in the UK? \
  17. (IF NO). OK. Although Drax is phasing out coal, their power stations are being converted into biomass plants, with the false claims that this is renewable energy, when in truth it contributes more CO2 to the atmosphere than coal for the same amount of electricity. Would you be willing to hear more about how Drax is harming communities in the UK and the US?
    1. (IF NO) No problem. I think it is really important that companies like Yeo Valley stop supporting companies like Haven Power, Drax, and Enviva which take part in logging operations in the Southern USA that contribute to air, water and noise pollution in predominantly Black, indigenous and low-income communities - all hidden under lies about renewable energy. Would you be willing to write to me about whether Yeo Valley will continue to support the harmful, polluting biomass industry? (give them your contact details if not hung up yet)
    2. (IF YES) Great. You might already know that the beginning of Drax’s biomass production is mostly in the Southern USA, where large areas of forests are torn down and pelletised in factories. This process contributes to air, water and noise pollution that hurts predominantly poorer and non-white communities. In the UK, these wood pellets come into a number of ports, one of the biggest being Liverpool’s Peel Ports. People in the area experience harmful air pollution due to this, and Highways England are also planning to destroy the much loved Rimrose Valley to build a road that is likely to increase transportation of wood pellets to Drax’s Power Station in Yorkshire, despite the claim that it will reduce traffic. This is one of several examples of communities that were never given a choice. Can you see the harm that Drax’s wood burning electricity is causing? (hypothetical, skip straight to 3.)
  18. (IF YES) As YeoValley is an ethical company that promotes the importance of biodiversity are you going to switch from Haven Power to a genuine renewable energy supplier?
    1. (IF YES) Could you put that in writing to me on [your email]? (forward this to axedrax@pm.me if possible)
    2. (IF NO) Drax Power Station fuels forest destruction that ultimately will make all of our lives worse. Please could you take my concern to your sustainability lead, and get back to me in writing about your decision?_ (make them take your contact details. Forward any correspondences to axedrax@pm.me) _

      Salford City Council

      0161 607 6987

      Left message

      Good morning/afternoon. My name is _____ and I am calling from the Axe Drax campaign. Could you please get back to me on [Number] on whether Salford City Council will follow through on its declaration of a climate emergency and switch from Haven Power to a genuine renewable energy provider?

      Main script

  19. Hello _______ . This is _______ calling on behalf of the #AxeDrax campaign. It has come to our attention that Salford City Council’s energy comes from Haven Power which is owned by Drax. Are you aware that Drax Power Station is the greatest emitter of CO2 in the UK? \
  20. (IF NO). OK. Although Drax is phasing out coal, their power stations are being converted into biomass plants, with the false claims that this is renewable energy, when in truth it contributes more CO2 to the atmosphere than coal for the same amount of electricity. Would you be willing to hear more about how Drax is harming communities in the UK and the US?
    1. (IF NO) No problem. I think it is really important that councils that have declared a climate emergency should stop supporting companies like Haven Power, Drax, and Enviva which take part in logging operations in the Southern USA that contribute to air, water and noise pollution in predominantly Black, Indigenous and low-income communities - all hidden under lies about renewable energy. Would you be willing to write to me about whether Salford City Council will continue to support the harmful, polluting biomass industry? (give them your contact details if not hung up yet)
    2. (IF YES) Great. You might already know that the beginning of Drax’s biomass production is mostly in the Southern USA, where large areas of forests are torn down and pelletised in factories. This process contributes to air, water and noise pollution that hurts predominantly Black, Indigenous and low-income communities. In the UK, these wood pellets come into a number of ports, one of the biggest being Liverpool’s Peel Ports. People in the area experience harmful air pollution due to this, and Highways England are also planning to destroy the much loved Rimrose Valley to build a road that will increase transportation of wood pellets to Drax’s Power Station in Yorkshire, despite the claim that it will reduce traffic. This is one of several examples of communities that were never given a choice. Can you see the harm that Drax’s wood burning electricity is causing? (hypothetical, skip straight to 3)
  21. (IF YES) As Salford City Council has declared a climate emergency, are you going to switch from Haven Power to a genuine renewable energy supplier?
    1. (IF YES) Could you put that in writing to me on [your email]? (forward this to axedrax@pm.me)
  22. **(IF NO) **Drax Power Station fuels forest destruction that ultimately will make all of our lives worse. Please could you take my concern to your sustainability lead, and get back to me in writing about your decision?_ (make them take your contact details. Forward any correspondences to axedrax@pm.me)_
    • Worth also emailing them, so they have something to reply to

      Nuances

      - Burning wood is less efficient than burning coal
- Drax imports more wood to burn than the UK produces each year
- Drax releases more carbon each year than the UK needs to reduce its emissions by to meet its carbon targets
- Drax were given £789.5m in 2019 for its wood burning; this can be easily transferred to genuine renewables under the Levy Control Framework
- Pellet production produces air, water and noise pollution.
- Logging operations in the Southeastern USA make it less protected from inevitable extreme weather events like hurricanes and flooding
    • North Carolina and Robeson County are key area, if you need a specific example