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How to Contact Your MP

Templates, tips, and pressure tactics to make your voice heard

Beginner 20 min read Updated: September 2025

📢 Why Contact Your MP?

💡 Your Democratic Right

Your MP is paid by taxpayers to represent your interests in Parliament. They have a duty to listen to constituents and respond to your concerns, regardless of whether you voted for them.

When MPs Actually Listen

  • Re-election Pressure: MPs need votes to keep their jobs
  • Media Attention: Public pressure through local and national media
  • Party Discipline: Consistent pressure can influence party positions
  • Parliamentary Questions: Your issues raised in Parliament
  • Committee Work: MPs can raise issues in select committees
  • Constituency Reputation: MPs want to be seen as effective representatives

What MPs Can Actually Do

In Parliament

  • Vote on Legislation: Support or oppose bills and amendments
  • Ask Questions: Parliamentary questions to ministers
  • Raise Issues: In debates and committee meetings
  • Present Petitions: Formal petitions from constituents
  • Early Day Motions: Draw attention to specific issues

For Constituents

  • Casework: Help with government departments and agencies
  • Local Advocacy: Represent constituency interests
  • Access to Ministers: Direct contact with government
  • Media Platform: Amplify local issues through their profile
  • Professional Networks: Connect constituents with relevant contacts
"MPs receive hundreds of emails every week, but the constituents who get results are those who are persistent, well-informed, and strategic about their approach."
Parliamentary Staff Member

🔍 Finding Your MP

Official Methods

🌐 Parliament.uk MP Finder

The official way to find your MP:

  • Website: parliament.uk/mps-lords-and-offices/mps/
  • Search by: Postcode, constituency name, or MP name
  • Information provided: Contact details, committee memberships, voting record
  • Always current: Updated immediately after elections

What You'll Find

Contact Information

  • Parliamentary office email and phone
  • Constituency office address and contact details
  • Website and social media accounts
  • Surgery times and booking information

Background Information

  • Political party and position
  • Committee memberships
  • Parliamentary roles and responsibilities
  • Previous career and experience

Parliamentary Activity

  • Recent speeches and interventions
  • Voting record on key issues
  • Questions asked in Parliament
  • Bills and motions supported

📞 Contact Methods

Effectiveness Ranking

Most Effective

  • Face-to-face surgery: Personal meeting
  • Formal letter: Physical mail to constituency office
  • Personal email: Well-crafted individual message
  • Phone call: Direct conversation with MP or staff

Less Effective

  • Form emails: Obviously copy-pasted messages
  • Social media: Public posts, DMs, tweets
  • Petitions: Mass signatures without personal context
  • Fax: Outdated and rarely monitored

When to Use Each Method

Strategic Contact Choice

  • Complex issues: Face-to-face surgery meetings
  • Urgent matters: Phone calls followed by email
  • Detailed policy: Formal letters with supporting documents
  • Quick updates: Brief emails with clear subject lines
  • Public pressure: Social media combined with private contact

✍️ Writing Effective Letters

Letter Structure

Essential Components

  1. Your Details: Name, address, phone, email
  2. Date: When you're writing
  3. MP's Details: Name, title, office address
  4. Clear Subject: Brief summary of your issue
  5. Opening: State you're a constituent
  6. Issue Description: Clear, factual explanation
  7. Personal Impact: How this affects you/your community
  8. Specific Request: What you want them to do
  9. Supporting Evidence: Facts, figures, examples
  10. Closing: Request for response and thank them
  11. Signature: Handwritten signature for letters

Writing Tips

Be Clear and Concise

  • One issue per letter
  • Maximum 2 pages
  • Short paragraphs
  • Plain English, no jargon
  • Bullet points for key facts

Be Personal

  • Explain why this matters to you
  • Include local examples
  • Share personal experiences
  • Mention your constituency connection
  • Avoid obvious form letters

Be Specific

  • Name specific bills or policies
  • Request particular actions
  • Provide concrete examples
  • Include relevant dates and numbers
  • Suggest realistic solutions

Be Respectful

  • Professional tone throughout
  • Acknowledge their position
  • Avoid personal attacks
  • Thank them for their time
  • Request a response politely

📧 Email Templates

Template 1: Policy Opposition

Subject: Urgent Concern About [Specific Bill/Policy] - [Your Constituency]

Dear [MP Name],

I am writing as your constituent in [Constituency Name] to express my serious concerns about [specific bill/policy].

[Brief description of the issue and why you oppose it]

This policy would directly affect me because [personal impact]. In our constituency, this could mean [local impact].

I am asking you to:
• Vote against [specific bill] when it comes before Parliament
• Raise these concerns with [relevant minister]
• Support amendments that would [specific changes]

[Supporting evidence or examples]

I would appreciate your response outlining your position on this issue and what action you intend to take.

Thank you for your time and representation.

Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
Policy Opposition Template

Template 2: Local Issue

Subject: Local Issue Requiring MP Support - [Brief Description]

Dear [MP Name],

As a resident of [area] in your constituency, I am writing to seek your support on [local issue].

The situation: [clear description of the problem]

This affects our community by [specific impacts]. Personally, [how it affects you].

I believe you could help by:
• Contacting [relevant authority/minister] on our behalf
• Asking a parliamentary question about [specific aspect]
• Meeting with local residents to discuss solutions

[Any supporting information, petitions, or evidence]

Would you be willing to take up this issue? I would be happy to provide more information or arrange a meeting with affected residents.

Thank you for your consideration.

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Contact Details]
Local Issue Template

Template 3: Personal Casework

Subject: Constituent Casework Request - [Brief Description]

Dear [MP Name],

I am a constituent seeking your assistance with [government department/agency] regarding [issue].

Background: [explanation of your situation]

I have already tried: [steps you've taken]

The problem is: [current obstacles or lack of response]

I am requesting your help to:
• Contact [specific department] on my behalf
• Request they review my case urgently
• Seek explanation for [specific issue]

I have attached [relevant documents] and am happy to provide any additional information you need.

I would be grateful for your assistance with this matter.

Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Contact Details]
[Reference Numbers if applicable]
Casework Template

🏥 Surgery Meetings

What Are MP Surgeries?

💼 Face-to-Face Democracy

MP surgeries are regular meetings where constituents can meet their MP in person to discuss issues. They're usually held weekly or monthly in the constituency.

Finding and Booking Surgeries

How to Book

  • MP's Website: Check for surgery schedules and booking info
  • Constituency Office: Call to book appointments
  • Local Media: Surgery times often advertised in local papers
  • Social Media: MPs often post surgery announcements
  • Walk-ins: Some MPs accept drop-in appointments

Preparing for Your Meeting

Before the Meeting

  • Research the issue thoroughly
  • Prepare a one-page summary
  • Bring supporting documents
  • Plan your key points
  • Know what you want them to do

During the Meeting

  • Be punctual and respectful
  • State your issue clearly and concisely
  • Listen to their response
  • Ask specific questions
  • Take notes on their commitments

After the Meeting

  • Send a thank-you email
  • Summarize what was discussed
  • Reference any commitments made
  • Provide additional information if requested
  • Set follow-up dates

💪 Pressure Tactics

Escalation Strategies

⚡ Applying Democratic Pressure

When polite requests don't work, strategic pressure can be more effective. The key is escalating gradually while maintaining legitimacy and public support.

Level 1: Individual Pressure

Personal Engagement

  • Regular Contact: Weekly emails on the same issue
  • Multiple Channels: Email, phone, social media, letters
  • Documented History: Keep records of all interactions
  • Deadline Pressure: "Please respond by [date]"
  • Public Questions: Ask questions at public events

Level 2: Social Pressure

Public Visibility

  • Social Media: Public posts tagging your MP
  • Local Media: Write to local newspapers about the issue
  • Public Meetings: Attend town halls and ask questions
  • Party Events: Raise issues at party meetings or hustings
  • Community Support: Get neighbors and local groups involved

Level 3: Organized Pressure

Collective Action

  • Petition Campaigns: Local and online petitions
  • Coordinated Contact: Multiple constituents contacting simultaneously
  • Demonstration: Peaceful protests at constituency office
  • Media Campaign: Press releases, interviews, opinion pieces
  • Electoral Threat: "This will affect how we vote"

Effective Pressure Techniques

What Works

  • Electoral Consequences: "Local voters care about this issue"
  • Media Attention: "This story is gaining coverage"
  • Party Reputation: "This reflects badly on [party name]"
  • Moral Pressure: "This is the right thing to do"
  • Expertise Challenge: "The evidence clearly shows..."
  • Peer Pressure: "Other MPs are supporting this"

🔄 Follow-up Strategies

When to Follow Up

Standard Timeline

  • Initial response: 2 weeks maximum
  • Detailed response: 4 weeks for complex issues
  • Action update: Monthly for ongoing issues
  • Committee response: 6-8 weeks for parliamentary questions

When They Don't Respond

  • Send polite reminder after 2 weeks
  • Phone their office to check they received it
  • Send follow-up with "second request" in subject
  • Escalate to public pressure if still no response

Analyzing MP Responses

Good Signs

  • Specific responses to your points
  • Acknowledgment of your concerns
  • Concrete commitments to action
  • Offers to meet or discuss further
  • Timeline for updates

Red Flags

  • Generic form letter responses
  • Avoiding your specific questions
  • Party line talking points only
  • No commitment to any action
  • Dismissive or condescending tone

👥 Group Action

Building Coalitions

Finding Allies

  • Local Groups: Residents' associations, community groups
  • Interest Groups: Organizations affected by the issue
  • Other Constituents: People with similar concerns
  • Experts: Professionals with relevant knowledge
  • Campaign Groups: National organizations working on the issue

Coordinated Campaigns

Planning

  • Agree on common message and goals
  • Assign roles and responsibilities
  • Create timeline for actions
  • Prepare consistent materials
  • Plan media and social media strategy

Execution

  • Coordinate contact timing
  • Share templates but personalize messages
  • Track responses and commitments
  • Maintain regular communication
  • Adapt strategy based on results

🎯 What to Expect

Realistic Outcomes

💡 Managing Expectations

Most contact with MPs won't result in dramatic policy changes, but consistent engagement can influence their positions and raise important issues on their agenda.

Likely Responses

Standard MP Actions

  • Acknowledgment Letter: Confirming they received your message
  • Policy Explanation: Their party's position on the issue
  • Referral to Minister: Passing your concerns to relevant government department
  • Parliamentary Question: Asking ministers about your issue
  • Meeting Offer: Invitation to discuss in person

Success Indicators

Signs Your Contact is Working

  • Policy Changes: MP changes position on issues
  • Public Statements: MP speaks publicly about your concerns
  • Parliamentary Activity: Questions, debates, committee work
  • Media Coverage: Local or national media picks up the issue
  • Government Response: Ministers respond to MP's representations
  • Personal Resolution: Your individual case is resolved

Long-term Strategy

"Political change rarely happens overnight. The most effective constituents maintain relationships with their MPs over time, building trust and demonstrating consistent engagement with the democratic process."
Political Engagement Strategy

Building Long-term Influence:

  • Regular Contact: Don't just contact when you need something
  • Local Presence: Attend public meetings and community events
  • Issue Expertise: Become known as knowledgeable on specific topics
  • Constructive Approach: Offer solutions, not just criticism
  • Electoral Engagement: Vote consistently and encourage others to do so

💪 Your Democratic Power

Remember: MPs work for you. They need your votes to keep their jobs, and persistent, well-informed constituents can have significant influence on political decision-making. Your voice matters—use it strategically and consistently.