It is one of the primary duties of MPs to represent the views of their constituents in Parliament. As a constituent, it is your right to have your voice heard on issues that affect you and other people in your area. Writing to your MP is a great way to ensure that your MP, regardless of the political party they belong to, knows your views. When MPs receive lots of letters showing viewpoints like yours, they are more likely to listen.
People often think they’re powerless to influence the decisions made by their MP, but actually writing a letter can make a real difference and most members of parliament take their duty to listen to constituents very seriously.
How do I do it?
Step One
Find out who your MP is and how to email them by clicking here.
Step Two
You can write your own letter from scratch being clear and using simple language, explaining your point of view and perhaps sharing your reason for wanting to make contact.
People often think they’re powerless to influence the decisions made by their MP, but actually writing a letter can make a real difference and most members of parliament take their duty to listen to constituents very seriously.
Lui Asquith, Director of Legal & Policy, Mermaids
18 year-old Alex and Mermaids CEO give the ‘T’ on trans rights
Tell you MP your story and what you think the future should look like
Reaching out to your MP
Writing to your MP can be a great way for them to hear about your concerns and take steps to support you. You can find out who your MP is on the Parliament’s website, (just type in your postcode!)
We’ve created a template letter that you can use to help get you started, below. The rest simply comes down to you, being you! If you feel comfortable in doing so, it is always helpful to make it personal and to tell them what you want them to do.
You can also contact your MP by telephone, on social media or you can request to attend an ‘MP surgery’.
If you want any support writing to your MP, please do not hesitate in contacting our policy team on [email protected].
What can I ask my MP/MSP to do?
MPs can make confidential enquiries with officials or a government minister on your behalf. They can also refer individual cases to be investigated by the Parliamentary Ombudsman. If they agree to support a cause you have raised with them, they may also choose to raise it publicly in the House of Commons – through questions, debates, motions or amendments. See more here.
What if my MP/MSP doesn’t respond?
It may take a short while for your MP to respond, but they should respond! And if you’re not happy with an initial result make sure you follow this up with them.
Example Template
[MP full name] MP/MSP
By email: [their email address]
[DATE]
Dear [first name of MP]
Re: [Clear title regarding the subject of the letter]
I hope this letter finds you safe and well.
I am writing to ask you to represent me and others in your constituency by [explanation of what action you would like your MP to take].
[Insert a brief explanation of the issue that you are writing to your MP about and if there is something specifically that is making you write today]
[Insert an overview of your story and why this matter is important to you]
[Insert a brief explanation of the impact of the problem on you, your family or other constituents]
As my [MSP/MP], I hope you are committed to ensuring that trans people in the UK can live with the same opportunities as everyone else.
