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Writing to your MP

Letters are better

• The most usual way of contacting your MP is by letter. Many MPs still gauge public opinion on an issue by the quantity of letters they receive, so it’s always worth writing.
• Plan your letter carefully. Letters can be wasted, along with all your effort, if the MP doesn’t know what’s expected of them. Ask for something concrete: request a meeting, or their support in an important vote.
• If the issue is close to your heart then say so. Do you have personal experience, or has the issue affected a member of your family?
• Adding an individual or personal angle to the letter is more likely to attract their attention and receive a personal reply. All MPs claim that they take notice of personal letters.

Write rules

• Either type the letter or use blue or black ink on white paper.
• Be concise in your argument. Focus on one issue rather than diluting your argument on a range of concerns.
• Provide evidence of local concern. This could be press coverage, results of a street survey or an account of a public meeting. If other groups are involved, mention them.
• Tap into your MP’s special interest on the issue. If they are concerned, it helps to refer to a recent speech or question they asked.
• Be brief. Two sides maximum. If you’re enclosing a report or briefing to back up your case then try to attach a summary – your MP probably won’t have time to read the whole thing.
• Make sure any enclosures are photocopies, not originals.
• Be polite and be fairly formal.

Information supplied by The Fawcett Society. www.gn.apc.org/fawcett

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