WWF - For a living planet

Your Member of Parliament represents you so should be willing to hear and discuss your views. The following tips are designed to enable you to find your MP, and then for you to decide how best to contact them to discuss your concerns: either in a letter, or at a meeting.

Remember, MPs rely on their constituents' votes. The more an MP hears from his/her constituents about a particular issue, the more likely they are to take note, take an interest and take action in Parliament.

Find your MP
Go to www.locata.co.uk/commons to find out who your MP is, and how to track them down.

Meeting your MP
Most MPs will have a constituency 'surgery' once a week - this is your opportunity to meet your MP and discuss your concerns. You can find surgery times on an MP's website or in your local paper. It may also be possible to meet your MP at the Houses of Parliament.

Find out about the One Planet Future campaign.

Tips for a successful meeting
Before the day, think about what you want to get out of the meeting:

• Use the WWF website to get a good understanding of the issue


• Be clear and concise


• Tell the MP why the issue is a concern to you


• Ask the MP how they are going to take your concern further

Get writing!
When MPs receive lots of letters on the same issue, they will take note and be more prepared to engage further.

Here are a few tips to ensure that your letter is as effective as possible:

• Keep your letter short and succinct.


• Be polite and courteous


• If you are using a template letter, try to personalise it with your own thoughts and experiences


• Be clear about what you say and state what you want your MP to do - such as support a bill or raise an issue in Parliament


• Focus on one issue per letter


• Use the WWF website to research your issue and help you put forward your argument


• You may want to include some information about you so your MP can better understand your perspective


• If you get a reply and your MP takes action, a ‘thank you’ always goes down well!

By taking these actions, you will help to change legislation, and to move the UK towards a One Planet Future.

Thank you for making a difference!