Getting your voice heard in the UK, part 2: overcoming blocks
I’d like to change the world but…
…my MP’s impossible
On Friday, we looked at the best ways of making contact with your MP, and taking the first steps towards getting things changed.
However, political engagement isn’t always quite so simple. How can you ensure your message has any kind of impact? What happens when you write to your MP but they don’t reply? And what should you do if your MP’s views are opposed to your own?
Today’s post attempts to answer those questions, which are based on the mail we receive from WriteToThem users every day. Here are their most common stumbling blocks:
…my MP’s in a safe seat and in opposition to my views — or a complete party faithful
If your MP is certain of keeping their seat next time there’s an election, they may be less likely to pay attention to the views of constituents that oppose their own. And some of us have MPs who will only ever vote the way their party tells them to.
Both situations can leave you feeling like it’s pointless to get in touch.
Of course, MPs can’t represent absolutely everyone’s views, because in a single constituency there will always be people with a full range of opinions and beliefs. All they can do is try to gauge the general feeling, and take that into account along with their own beliefs — and of course the steer that they get from their party leader.
Under these circumstances, your best chance of having some effect is to gather together others in your constituency who feel as you do, and make sure they write to your MP too.
An MP is much more likely to take action if they receive 10 or 20 messages about an issue than if they just get one. And if you back those letters up with further messages, meetings, campaigns and so on, any MP will have to take some notice.
…my MP’s already on my side, and doing everything I’d wish for
Lucky you! Don’t rest on your laurels, though. You should take the time to send them a message to say how much you appreciate their work.
The chances are that those who don’t agree with their actions are sending their own messages, and may be skewing your MP’s perception of their own stance. Why not redress the balance? A bit of positive affirmation never goes amiss.
…my MP doesn’t reply, or replies in an unsatisfactory way
It’s very discouraging when you put a lot of effort into writing a message and your MP doesn’t write back — or perhaps they reply, but seem to answer only with a generic message that doesn’t really reflect what you said.
Many people give up at this point, quite understandably. But to make a real difference, it’s worth doing all you can to keep the conversation going.
When WriteToThem users email us to say they’ve received an unsatisfactory response from their MP, we generally tell them to pass that on to the MP in question, not us. After all, it’s only if constituents tell them that their response is unsatisfactory that they’ll even consider doing differently next time.
If you don’t get a reply, remember there are other steps you can take, too:
Make an appointment to see your MP face to face
Most run regular ‘surgeries’ in their constituency: you should find details on the MP’s website. If you find the prospect daunting, why not take a friend?
Phone your MP’s office and ask to speak to them
It’s much harder to wriggle out of giving an answer on the phone than it is by email.
Try writing to your local paper
— firstly about your issue and secondly about your MP’s refusal to engage on the topic. MPs are more likely to take action if they feel the public spotlight is on them.
Remember your other representatives
Despite what we said above, about picking the right representative for the matter in hand, there are times when you may find that responsibilities overlap. Your MEPs will, of course, would have an interest in Brexit; and those living in the devolved regions may find that there are issues that both their MPs and Assembly Members/MSPs will take a stance on. Many areas, like Health and Education, are now in the remit of the devolved parliaments: see this guide from the BBC to see them laid out clearly.
Use Twitter and Facebook
Talk about the issues and the fact that your representative hasn’t replied. These public forums often make MPs feel more accountable, and allow others to weigh in on the topic. Stay polite, though, or you’re likely to be at the wrong end of the ‘block’ button!
OK, so you’re all set — but how can you make sure you strike at the right time? Don’t miss tomorrow’s post on how to stay informed about the decisions our politicians make on our behalves, both in your own area and more widely.
