Write a letter to your MP
We’re asking you to write to your MP to add strength to our campaigns, to help raise awareness to change policy and to benefit everyone in the spinal cord injury community.
It is a quick and easy way to ensure your MP is representing you in Parliament.
Our MPs
Our politicians have the power to solve the issues we experience every day, that is why we engage with them. We know they listen to us because our All Party Parliamentary Group is well attended, however, to have a larger voice in government we are asking that you contact your MP too. This may seem daunting at first, but it is easier than ordering a takeaway and is the most effective way of making your voice heard. When we all act, it can lead to national change.
What can my MP do to help
It is your MP’s job to make your voice heard in Parliament whether you voted for them or not. They represent their local area and can raise concerns of local people.
Here are a few things they can do:
- vote on issues in Parliament
- write to the Government Minister responsible for the issue or make an appointment to see them
- ask questions in Parliament (‘Parliamentary Questions’ or PQs) about issues you raise
- ask for a debate in Parliament. A relevant Minister will always attend this debate to respond to your MP on behalf of the government
When you talk about issues with your MP, you will be adding your voice to a national campaign demanding change.
Who is my MP?
Find out who your local MP is using www.theyworkforyou.com
Or call the House of Commons Information Office on 020 7219 4272.
How do I contact my MP?
MPs usually have an office in their constituency (your local area), and in Parliament. You can contact them at either office by telephone, letter, or by email. Find your MP’s constituency office address and phone number through www.theyworkforyou.com
Tips for writing to your MP
Email or handwritten letter?
Handwritten letters really stand out – just think about the last time you received one! But MPs will also respond to emails, and some prefer to correspond this way.
Include your name and address
If it’s your first letter to your MP, start by introducing yourself. MPs only listen to concerns from their constituents, so include your address and postcode to confirm they need to listen to you, and so they know where to send a response.
Make it personal
Use your own words to explain why you care about this issue. You could talk about relevant facts and figures, explain how this is impacting you or include a personal story relating to the issue. This will make your letter more memorable – MPs get sent lots of things from constituents, so you want yours to stand out.
Ask your MP to do something
After you have explained the issue, it is important to tell your MP what you want them to do about it. You will want to ask them to take action. Stating how you think they can they help to solve the problem is really helpful.
Keep it brief
Be concise and get to the point quickly. Aim to keep your letter short (a page or two, max) and stick to a single issue to make it really clear what you want your MP to focus on addressing.
Ask for a response
You should ask your MP to confirm that they have acted and clarify what they have done in a response to your letter. And if you have not received a reply from your MP after a few weeks, follow up via email or by calling their office to check that your letter arrived.
Say thanks
If your MP has done something positive, say thanks – they will appreciate it.