Influencing your MP

Don’t underestimate the impact of a simple letter, recent research by Save the Children found that personal letters are by far the best way to influence politicians. Its survey of MPs revealed that letters were over 26 times more effective than media coverage in raising MPs’ awareness of campaigns.

So how to go about writing your letter:-

1. Find out who your MP is.

· Internet: www.locata.co.uk/commons

· Telephone the House of Commons enquiry line: 020 7219 4272.

2. Find out where to send your letter.

· Look up your MPs local constituency address in the phone book

· Write to your MP at:

The House of Commons

London

SW1A 0AA

· Send your letter by fax through the website: www.faxyourmp.com

3. Writing your letter – general points.

· Be polite.

· A personal letter expressed in your own words and explaining why you feel strongly about the issue will have the most effect but you can download and adapt a letter from www.tjm.org.uk/scaleup/letter.shtml or look on this website for standard letters.

· You can write by hand, typewriter or on a computer.

· Always let your MP know you are one of his/her constituents: include your postcode.

· Mention any contact you’ve already had – such as at the Mass Lobby in June 2002 – and thank them for any interest.

· Keep it simple and to the point – don’t write any more than one page!

4. Writing your letter – specific points. USE Trade Justice Movement (TJM) Organisation resources and know what the TJM is calling for (excellent page in theChristian Aid Action Pack and also a sheet in the CAFOD pack.

· Tell your MP that you will be involved in the 24-hour lobby for trade justice.

· Tell your MP what is happening locally and ask him/her to take part.

· Ask your MP to forward your concerns to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and to the Prime Minister.

· Ask how they will take your concerns forward.

· If you lobbied your MP at the Mass Lobby of Parliament in June 2002, ask what actions they have taken since then to help make trade rules fairer.

5. What to do when you get a reply.

· Read it!

· If you have follow-up questions (or praise to offer) you can write back.

· For advice on how to respond contact one of the TJM organisations. CAFOD and probably other organisations like to see copies of replies from MPs so they know what line they are taking) CAFOD has a briefing paper to help supporters respond to letters from their MPs – it gives the UK Government position on certain issues and a CAFOD response to the Government’s position.