How to contact your MP effectively

Before coming to work for CARE, I assumed writing to your MP was a bit pointless. I didn’t believe they could do anything for me and I was not convinced they would be influenced by my views.

But I have learned from experience that this is simply not the case! I remember when my Dad was in hospital in Leeds after a fall and we were desperate for him to be transferred to a hospital nearer home. I contacted his MP on his behalf and the very next day, Dad had a visit from the CEO of the hospital, assuring him that they would move him by the end of the week! This was the direct outcome of Dad’s MP making calls and chasing the right people for one of his constituents.

Yet for every story like the one with my Dad, I am sure you have also experienced frustration in engaging with your MP. Like with so many things in life, when it works, it is brilliant! But when it doesn’t, it can be demotivating and disappointing.

I can’t offer quick fixes, or ‘instant success’ guarantees! But by adjusting our expectations and following some basic advice, I think you can make your MP engagement more effective and increase the likelihood of a positive response.

I think the first thing to understand is that you need to have fair and realistic expectations. Writing to your MP is not the same as instant messaging! When we text or WhatsApp, we might expect a speedy response. But when you write to your MP, consider that they receive hundreds of emails every week and that the issue you are raising may be complex.

An MP can do certain things: they might engage the government on your behalf, or take part in a debate, or attend an event. But just because they are capable of these things does not mean that they can or will.

After all, your MP is part of a political party (unless they sit as an Independent). They are duty-bound to support the party’s official policy; to go against the party line is a big ask. It is even more difficult if they are a government minister, because then the concept of collective responsibility applies: if you are part of the Government then you technically sign up to support the Government’s position, even in the face of fierce opposition.

Taking each of these factors into account will help you to have reasonable expectations of your MP.

There are some basic principles that will help sharpen and improve your emails and letters to your MP and will make it more likely that they will cut through.

• Ask yourself: what am I trying to achieve with this email/letter? This sounds so simple, but it will make a real difference to your email. For example, are you simply putting your views across? If so, maybe don’t expect a reply. Are you raising a local issue that you want your MP to be aware of?

  If so, could you send pictures to demonstrate and support your points? Are you asking them to vote a specific way on legislation? Be clear about the way you want them to vote. Select your top 2-3 arguments and summarise them clearly and then make the ask.

• Always include your address and postcode, even when emailing. It sounds basic, but MPs can only respond to their constituents, so it flags to them that they are responsible for responding to your concerns.

• Be polite: the MP you are writing to is an image-bearer of God! Proverbs 15:1 says a gentle answer turns away wrath. Apply this principle to your email. Even if you are very frustrated – and you might have legitimate reasons for feeling so – it is better always to be civil in tone.

• Keep it succinct: it is a mistake to think the ‘longer the better’. Remember how many emails your MP receives and be kind to them by applying brevity. Of course, there are exceptions, and times where you will need to give more detail. But as a general rule, concise is best.

• Request a specific action: try and think through exactly what you want them to do. Is it to vote a certain way? Do you want them to follow up on an issue with your local authority? Do you want a topic raised in Parliament?

You might consider also meeting your MP in person! Most MPs will hold constituency surgeries where you can book a slot and speak to them directly. Face-to-face is always a good way of getting to know your MP better. Sometimes a combination approach works best, where you email first and follow up with a visit, or vice-versa.

Just remember that face-to-face meetings usually only last 15-30 minutes, depending on how many constituents are booked in or

have turned up. If you have a complex issue you wish to discuss with your MP, this method might not be the best way.

But even if your MP disappoints you, please remember they are human too! God calls us to speak the truth in a grace-filled way (Colossians 4:2-4). Try and find moments to thank your MP and to encourage them.

Above all, keep engaging with them! It is a huge privilege in a democracy, and a way we can be a voice for the voiceless.