This page provides further details about how you should lobby your elected representatives.

Lobbying your elected representatives. Your Local elected representative is elected to represent your view. Enrolling the support of your elected representative can be a huge asset to our campaign, for example; MPs can raise issues with Ministers, ask questions in the House of Commons, or vote for legislation; Similarly Local Councillors can influence decisions at local levels; Remember NCC have the say for minerals planning issues and SNDC for town and country planning issues. And don't under estimate the influence of your parish council. Their view is important and can sway the decision! Your local elected representative can also help ENRAGED get press coverage.

How to lobby. Even if you're not old enough to vote, your elected representative is still supposed to represent your views - so it’s important to let them know about your concerns, and lobby them to take action. The easiest way to lobby is to write a letter or email. Meeting them, either at their surgery or elsewhere can be even more effective. We have included details of local elected representatives on this web site. Click here.

General Tips. All elected representatives are different and have different ways of organising their time and their work. However here are some general tips to remember:

  • These people are very busy. Keep letters, phone calls and meetings short and to the point

  • Cultivate a relationship. For MPs a secretary or researcher will often be your first point of contact. These people decide which letters need to be seen by the MP and manage the diary. Local Councillors tend to be much more 'hands on' themselves. It's useful to get them on your side! Its less involved at a local level... but these people are just as busy!
  • Be polite and courteous. There is nothing to be gained from getting annoyed!
  • Point out that other local people share your concerns. These people are always interested in issues that might get more local votes!

Writing. Letters are important. It is likely that our elected representative will think a huge number of other constituents share the same concern if they receive just one letter on a certain issue. But they will receive a huge number of letters a day. Make sure yours is noticed:

  • Remember to include your full name and address. You need to make it clear that you are a constituent. Your local representative will need to be able to send a reply.
  • Write in your own words. Show the politician that you are a real person.
  • Keep it short. One side of A4 should be enough.
  • Make it clear what you are asking in response.

Meeting your elected representative in person. Most MPs and many of the local representatives hold a surgery for constituents. Call their office to find out where this surgery is held and whether or not you need to book a specific time.

Before the meeting. Ensure that you are organised:

  • Make some notes in advance of the key points that you want to raise.
  • You might want to take along photographs or plans etc. If you can, take copies to leave with your representative for their subsequent reference.
  • Think about the counter arguments that your elected representative might have. Try to anticipate questions.
  • Ideally, take along a small group of people who share your concerns. This could well make more of an impact. If you do this, it's worth planning in advance who will say what.

During the meeting. Keep your meeting short. It's worth asking at the start how much time is available:

  • Take notes so you can follow up important points.
  • If you're asked a difficult question, don't worry. Offer to find out the response.
  • Leave a brief outline of your concerns and the action that you have requested your elected representative to take. Keep this to one side of A4 if possible.
  • Keep the discussion on track! The elected representative might change the subject to avoid an issue he or she prefers not to deal with. Try saying: 'I know your time is precious, but we really only came here to discuss one particular issue. If you can give us more time we'd be happy to talk about the bigger picture.'

After the meeting. Try to follow up with a note to thank the elected representative. Include a reminder of the key points raised. Send them press cuttings or newsletters about any local campaigning that is relevant to your discussion.

 

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