How to influence your MP
Talking to our MPs is one way we can influence national politics. But talking to MPs can be tricky. They’re busy, juggling multiple (sometimes conflicting) constituent interests, and they’re often unsure how to actually help. Not to mention, you might feel intimidated, you might be coming from very different backgrounds and worldviews, you might just not like them. But remember, MPs are your voice in parliament. And as such, a resource well worth using. So put your grievances behind you, and give it your best shot.
Here’s some tips that we’ve found to be really effective.
Build a relationship with your MP
Whether we like it or not, what an MP chooses to focus on - what they raise in parliament and take action on in the local constituency - is often at least partly down to personal preference. If you want to make what you say a priority for your MP take time to build a rapport. Make sure your MP feels like you’re someone they could work with and whose opinion they value.
Handy hint: Asking plenty of questions is a great way to get MPs to open up and to build trust. Ask your MP what he/she thinks about the subject you want to raise with him/her.
2. Research what your MP cares about
Building on pre-existing interests is a great way to engage with your MP. Perhaps there is an interest that ties in well with climate action (for example quality housing or fuel poverty), or something completely unrelated to the subject that could help you build rapport (perhaps you both love metal detecting).
Handy hint: You can get an idea of your MPs interests by looking up what they’ve raised in parliament. Parliamentary appearances and voting histories for all MPs are available at theyworkforyou.com.
3. Find two or three persuasive facts on your topic
Remember, you don’t need to be an expert. Lobbying pros Hope for the Future reckon that it’s very likely that MPs usually know much less about the issue than you will. That being said, it’s good to get a few facts up your sleeve so you can persuade your MP to listen and debunk any misconceptions he/she might have.
Handy hint: If you’re looking for facts and stats to support your case get in touch with Hannah, she’ll be happy to help you find some resources that fit the bill.
4. Speak to your MPs values.
If you want to get your MP to feel the same climate fear as you do, think about what it is that rocks their boat, and emphasise that framing. For example, where Conservative values hold up stability, emphasising uncertainty of consequences for Britain if we exceed 1.5 degrees warming (as opposed to the damage the warming will bring) can be persuasive.
Handy hint: Climateoutreach.com has some useful resources for learning and speaking to the values of different political parties.
5. Be clear on what you want to get from your meeting.
Before your meeting, imagine what the ideal outcome will be. If you’ve got a plan going in, you’ll be much less likely to end up being pulled off on tangents and come out feeling disappointed. MPs are also more likely to be able to help if you make your ask clear.
Handy hint(s): Not sure what to ask for? If there is no particular campaign ask (like supporting a bill or signing an open letter), here are some ideas for what to ask your MP in order to engage them further:
Ask for another meeting. Another meeting will allow your MP time to think about what you’ve said and read what you’ve put in front of them. Organising another meeting will give you the chance to pick up where you left off and respond to any queries or concerns your MP raised.
Ask your MP to submit a parliamentary question. Every morning from Monday to Friday MPs can raise matters on behalf of their constituents for discussion in the House of Commons. This is a great way to up the pressure on ministers to forward climate solutions, and a tangible way MPs can show their support for you as your elected representative.
Invite them to attend an event. Have a meeting in your local green group? Or a visit to a nearby wind farm? MPs like to be seen to be doing things in the constituency, so encourage them to come as a photo op. Inviting them along will give you more time to engage your MP in a conversation about climate change and to build your rapport.
Invite your MP to chair a meeting about climate solutions. This is a great way to get your MP to learn about climate solutions without them knowing it. As a chair, their position is being respected, but you are holding the cards.
