There's nothing like putting your arguments to the test to know whether you are right; and appearing in front of MPs debating the Energy Bill to defend Greenpeace's policies certainly tests your arguments. (You can watch the performance here - you will need to fast forward two-hours and watch the last hour).
The government claims the Bill is an attempt to create financing framework for nuclear power; to introduce changes to the way renewables are subsidized; and to deliver some changes to gas storage. We believe the bill is really about creating a way for tax payers to bail out new-build nuclear power stations; to avoid giving renewables the support they need; and to do welcome changes to the gas storage infrastructure.
The Energy Bill committee heard evidence from a wide range of organisations. We were there, along with Friends of the Earth, Green Alliance, and energy commentator Tom Burke.
Now, British politics is based on confrontation. That's why there are two sides to the House of Commons - one supporting the Government and one opposing. You are either for something; or you are against. And, all things considered, I believe it works pretty well.
Nevertheless, when you appear before MPs to talk about detailed policies, you have to wonder what is achieved. We were lined up in front of a committee who - with a few notable exceptions - disagreed with our analysis of UK energy policy and were ready to challenge our arguments. And that's what made the questioning fun!
To successfully defend your position, when the questions are designed to trip you up, and to walk away knowing that you haven't been cornered is very refreshing; but it is not the same as achieving anything. You are sitting in front of committee members, who, on the Government side, appear to have made up their mind on the critical issues. You argue, you try to persuade, but you don't change anyone's opinion.
Of course, despite the rhetoric and bluster, politics is really a long strategic game. The set-piece Parliamentary moments matter, but you only really win them by being clever. It is by seeding ideas and arguments into the political mainstream.
It's about persuading individuals on a one-to-one basis; using the media to draw attention to issues and thus apply political pressure. It is about working with opposition parties and the more independently minded MPs to re-frame the debate; and engaging with Sir Humphrey in the Civil Service - where the power really lies.
Tackling the threat of catastrophic climate change is a long campaign. We will win the battles by focusing on the long game. We mustn't lose urgency but we must be clever.
