Write to your MP

And also to your MSP, AM or MEP

Many of our supporters have written to their MPs, either asking them to back Republic's campaign or to ask for their support for specific actions.

We would like you to write to your MP too, so we can really demonstrate the level of support we have in the country. We know from the many replies we get back that MPs are taking notice.

If you haven't already, please contact your MP by letter or email and ask if they would back Republic. Be sure to check if they already supporting us by visiting our supporters page.

Then, from time to time, we'll ask you to write to your MP again, asking them to support us on a specific issue or to add their name to a parliamentary motion. This can be hugely important to our campaigning efforts and can only work with your support.

If you get a reply please let us know. We like to keep up with how MPs are responding to our campaign.

It is worth noting that MPs vary greatly in their attitudes to written or emailed messages from their constituents. If you get no reply or little success from sending an email, try writing a letter instead.

Writing to your MP

To send an email simply enter your postcode in the box below and follow the instructions to send a message via the 'Write to them' website.

[You can also use this site to write to your MSP, AM or MEP.]

You can write a letter to your MP at:

Tips on writing to your MP

There is no right or wrong way to write to your MP. What you say and how you say it may well depend on whether you support their party and what you already know about their views.

However, there are a few things we can suggest to you when you sit down to write to your MP.

Is there any point in writing to politicians?

Writing to politicians can be a great way to publicise campaigns and, by encouraging politicians to add their names to parliamentary motions, for example, can help in a practical way to help the ideals of Republic become a reality.

Mentioning Republic by name when writing to politicians will help to demonstrate the level of support that Republic has across the country. Most politicians will take the time to reply, and do take notice of letters they receive, particularly if there is a high level of support.

What's the best way of contacting an MP?

Elected representatives are obliged to respond to their constituents and so the best way to contact an MP is to contact your MP. Different MPs prefer different forms of communication. If you get little success from writing a letter, try writing an email, or vice-versa.

It's important to note that you are more likely to get a response from an email if you email the politician directly from your personal email account rather than via an internet tool such as 'write to them'. You can usually find a MP's email address on their personal websites.

You can find out the address and websites of your MP by typing in your postcode using this website:

www.findyourmp.parliament.uk/

Who should I write to?

It really depends on what you're seeking to achieve from writing your letter. If it deals with a specific bill or action, it may be out of the control of certain politicians. For more information on which elected representatives deal with which issues, visit this page:

www.writetothem.com/about-yourrep

In many cases, however, your MP will be best politician to contact. They are closest to government and will usually be happy to re-direct your concerns to other elected representatives.

What should I ask them to do?

Getting the support of elected politicians is a great way to publicise Republic and its campaigns. It can also help the aspirations of Republic become reality if enough elected politicians pledge their support.

The best way of achieving this support really depends on the elected politician:

If they are known to be supporters of Republic, asking them to become more vocal in their views or take specific actions such as proposing a bill in Parliament is a useful way to maximise their support. You can check to see if they are a known supporter by visiting this page: www.republic.org.uk/supporters/index.php

If, on the other hand, the elected politician is known not to support Republic, simply arguing the case for the aspirations of Republic and asking them to justify their position is the most effective way to potentially get them re-assessing their views.

If you are not sure of the views of the person or political party, try to research the matter, or ask them directly whilst informing them of your views and why they should support the same. Republic will contact you when specific campaigns are launched, and this is the best time to ask your MP to lend their support for such a campaign.

How do I ensure my letter gets read?

There are many things to remember when writing to one of your elected representatives.

1. Keep it brief:
Politicians are very busy and receive many letters every day. Brief letters are more likely to be read in depth and taken seriously.
2. Be clear:
Try and get to the point as quickly and as clearly as possible in your letter. Make it clear what exactly you want the politician to do, whether it be supporting a bill or simply responding to your letter.
3. Be polite:
Politicians are inevitably less likely to acknowledge or respond to letters that appear hostile or aggressive. If you come across as fair and reasonable you should receive a reply to your letter.