How to lobby your MP
Use this guide for some tips on how to lobby your MP effectively.
Step 1 – write to your MP (either by letter or email) explaining that you would like to arrange a meeting, listing some of the issues you want to discuss. This will help you give some structure to the meeting, and will allow the MP to come to the meeting prepared.
Step 2 – You should receive a response within a couple of weeks. At this point, call the MP’s diary secretary at the Westminster office (House of Commons switchboard on 020 7219 3000 and ask to be put through to the MP’s office) to find a suitable time to meet the MP. Most MPs hold regular ‘constituency surgeries’ (usually on a Monday, Friday or Saturday). Although MPs spend the bulk of their time in Westminster, meetings there are often disrupted by votes and general background noise, so it may be easier and more relaxed in the constituency office. In general, MPs will take you more seriously if you book your slot in advance, so that they can dedicate sufficient time to you in their diaries.
Step 3 – Visit your MP at the arranged time. Arrive on time, look smart, be polite and courteous. This meeting is an opportunity for you to have a two-way discussion – assume from the outset that the MP is there to help you, unless they prove otherwise. You can use the meeting to outline your concerns and the MP can then tell you what his or her stance is on that issue. Point out why these concerns are important to you, specifically, as a constituent.
Make it easy for them to help you, as MPs are very busy. Provide them with a piece of paper summarising your concerns and outlining what you want them to do. This will provide them with some reading, and will make it much easier for them to help you.
At the end of the meeting, discuss with your MP the best course of action and make sure this is understood on both sides before you leave. By all means give them a letter, campaign material or information relating to your case or campaign that they can read later.
Step 4 – Follow up your visit with a letter of thanks, providing further information on your case or concern and make contact within a fortnight, asking for any progress, although do be patient.
It is worth noting that this meeting should be the start of a longer relationship with your MP. Follow up on any responses you receive and do ask questions on specifics you may not understand. If any new developments crop up, let your MP know. They will appreciate you doing so, and in the longer term the better the relationship you have with your MP, the more he or she is able to do for you.
Visit our campaigns pages to see the issues on which we are currently campaigning.
And do let us know how it goes.