What kind of response did you receive? Was the MP’s (or staffer’s) reply:

1. A personal, thoughtful response that directly addresses your concerns and questions in a way that reassures and satisfies you

How to respond:

1. • 1. Thank them for their thoughtful reply, 
     2. Note the things you are happy about or agree with, and then keep the conversation going.
     3. Ask them to take further action, (eg: making a speech in parliament, asking a question of the Minister in Question Time, discussing with others in their party, influencing stronger policy…)
     4. Ask what you could do to help them

2. A personal, thoughtful response that directly addresses your concerns and questions but with views you disagree with

How to respond:

1. 1. 1. Thank them for their thoughtful reply, 
      2. Note anything you agree with, then keep the conversation going
      3. Ask them to explain what is behind their views
      4. Refute one or two of their arguments if you can, but there’s no need to go overboard with this. Focus on telling them what outcome you want and demand that they solve the problems they dish up to us as excuses!
      5. Ask a couple more questions to prompt them to consider your views
      6. Ask for an appointment to discuss your concerns in person

3. A glossy party brochure

How to respond:

1. 1. 1. Thank them for their reply, then:
      2. Point out they have not answered your questions or addressed your concerns 
      3. Refute one or two of their arguments if you can, but there’s no need to go overboard with this. Focus on telling them what outcome you want and demand that they solve the problems they dish up to us as excuses!
      4. Restate your original concerns and questions
      5. Ask for another response

4. A “party line” response that crows about the wonderful things the party has achieved or is promoting or proposing. It vaguely or generally addresses the topic you wrote about but doesn’t actually relate to your concerns or questions at all

How to respond:

1. 1. 1. Thank them for their reply, then:
      2. Point out they have not answered your questions or addressed your concerns 
      3. Refute one or two of their arguments if you can, but there’s no need to go overboard with this. Focus on telling them what outcome you want and demand that they solve the problems they dish up to us as excuses!
      4. Restate your original concerns and questions
      5. Ask for another response

Why is this important?

• If the role of your MP is to hold the government to account - then it’s our job to hold our MP to account!
• If you’re not holding them accountable, who is?  Your role in this is really vital.

Email example:

If you need some help getting started with your email, here is an example. 

Please don’t copy it exactly - personalise it and tailor it to the MP you are writing to. 

In addition, when writing to a Minister or Shadow Minister, start by saying that you’re writing to them in their role as Minister for xxxx, otherwise they will probably just forward your email to your local MP.

[MP name]

[Member for …. or  Minister for ….]

Dear …

Thank you for your reply to my email on [date] about [topic/issue].

However, you did not directly [answer my questions] [address my concerns] about [briefly reiterate your concerns].

I am extremely worried about this issue and would really like to know your views.

[repeat questions/asks from initial email]

I look forward to your response.

Sincerely

Name

Address

Phone

(Note: your contact details are required if you want a reply)

The value of signing petitions