Writing to your local MPs is an excellent way to raise awareness of the challenges we face as small businesses and the challenges in our local communities. Writing to them is easy to do and helps them to represent you in Parliament.
Contacting your MP might seem like a daunting task, but it is quite easy to do and to make it easier, we’ve provided a template letter on this page to get you well on your way in minutes. By joining the combined voice of Bira and the rest of our members, such a simple task can potentially produce a great outcome.
Of course, you can write your own personal letter if you prefer, but please still download the template as it could provide inspiration on some of the areas you wish to cover in your own letter.
Bira does a lot of this work, but MPs are less likely to act if they don’t think an issue affects their local area, but when you talk about local issues with your MP they will listen, and you're adding your voice to a national campaign that demands change.
What can my local MP do to help me?
> They can vote on issues in Parliament.
> They can write to Government Ministers or make an appointment to see them.
> They can ask questions in Parliament about your issues.
> They can seek debate in Parliament and a relevant minister will always attend and respond to your MP on behalf of Government.
How to find my local MP
Find out who your local MP is using https://whocanivotefor.co.uk.
Simply enter your post code to find the MP standing in your constituency and follow their links to find their email address, social media profiles and candidate web pages.
Candidates will respond letters and emails, some prefer to correspond by email.
Here's what to do next
Once you have downloaded the template, here’s what you should do:
> Include your name, company name and address
> Make it personal
> Remove any sections of the letter you don’t feel apply to you or your local area
> Add in any of your own personal experiences or challenges
> Ask for a response
If you haven’t 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.
Thank you for considering writing to your MP, your support is not only appreciated, but vital in helping us to develop a more fair, safe, inclusive and sustainable future high street.
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