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Write to your MP
Lobby your MP or other representatives
Whether you are representing yourself as an individual, your community or your organisation, lobbying your MP or local policymaker is one of the most effective ways of promoting the cause and effecting policy change. The more letters an MP receives from their constituents on a given issue, the greater the interest they will show in it. If the argument is made well and a number of local people appear to be concerned with a particular issue, the MP is more likely to be interested and supportive.
Identifying your MP
- You need to identify your MP or other representatives,(MEPs, MSPs, or Assembly Members in Northern Ireland, Wales or London.) You can find out who this is at www.writetothem.com , www.theyworkforyou.co.ukor http://www.upmystreet.com/commons/l/.
The key to arousing their interest is to:
- keep your message short and to the point
- ensure it provides them with a briefing that will help them grasp the issues quickly and feel confident in making public pronouncements in support of our aims.
- The personal touch always helps to enliven these type of letters, so consider outlining how the current situation affects you and the local area, as well as stating how making the changes you suggest will improve matters.
MPs pay more attention to letters and emails if
- they are from people or organisations within their constituency
- there are a decent number of letters about a similar issue
- they are individually written, not just cut-and-pasted from a template. A letter written in your own words proves that you are a real person who is concerned enough about the issues raised to make some independent effort.
We provide some reminders of the issues you may wish to include in your letter or email. You don't need to be an expert to raise concerns about it. Besides, you might be more knowledgeable than your MP on the is subject. To help you build your case:
- Say what is happening and who is affected
- what should be dine to change the situation
- You can include some facts
- Tell your MP to take action, ask questions in Parliament , spead the words amongst other MPs and support the campaign
- Ask for a reply