The natural first step in any lobbying exercise is to write to the person with the power to resolve the situation.
Top Tips
- Write to your own MP!
- Ask them to give their opinion or to do something specific;
- If you’re not happy with their answer - reply or ratchet up your lobbying!
How to write a good letter
Hand written letters can have a powerful impact on your MP or MEP because not many people take the trouble to do it. Seven or eight different letters from constituents about the same issue will make sure your campaign comes to their attention.
There are a few things to remember:
- Be polite and stick to the point. It might be frustrating, but you’ll get a far more useful reply.
- Give the person you are lobbying a good reason to listen to you, for example your potential vote?
- Ask them to do something specific, remember what they can do.
- Avoid exaggeration as it does more harm than good.
- Keep a file of correspondence, both of your letters and the replies and send copies to the [P&P office](/aboutus/contact.
Letter-writing meetings are often a good idea because even with the best intentions people don’t always get around to writing the letter on their own.
The Response
MPs will answer letters from their constituents before any other, as this is their duty. However, in most cases they will forward your letter to the relevant Minister, government department or party spokesperson and hence you are likely to get a standard reply. Often this reply will have little relevance to the original points that you raised, so it is better to ask specific questions and to inquire about your MP’s personal opinion. Try spreading letter writing around the group with each person addressing only one important point in their letter.
If you donīt get the response you want, donīt just sit there and take it. Pick up your pen, or put fingers to your keyboard, and restate your case, if necessary pointing out the errors in the reply.
Alternatively, you might decide that you want to meet them face-to-face.
Contact details
You can find your MP, MSP, AM or MEP’s address through the following sources:
MPs
Write to them at: House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA. Call: 020 7219 3000 for their constituency address. Full details: Theyworkforyou.com
MEPs
Write to them at: European Parliament UK Office, 2 Queen Anne’s Gate, London SW1H 9AA. Call: 020 7227 4300 for their constituency address. Full details: European Parliament website
MSPs
Write to them at: The Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh EH99 1SP. Call: 0131 348 5817 for their constituency address. Email: firstname.surname.msp@scottish.parliament.uk. Full details: Scottish Parliament website
AMs
Write to them at: National Assembly for Wales, Cardiff Bay, Cardiff CF99 1NA. Call: 029 20 825111 for their constituency address. Full details: Welsh Assembly website