Many NFU branches meet their local MP on a regular basis or you can make an appointment to see them at one of the constituency surgeries that almost all MPs hold.
Once you have made contact with your MP, what should you ask them?
It’s probably best to focus in on one or two local issues that are particularly relevant to your business that the MP can get their teeth into.
Of course TB, BPS, crop protection, beak tipping, contracts and prices, country of origin labelling and so on remain high on the agenda but it is also important to bring local issues to the table.
After meeting with an MP, it is good practice to ask what the next step will be. Will they write to a minister on your behalf? Will they ask a question in the Commons? Do they need to contact the local authority on your behalf? Be clear on the outcome.
If you’d like any help contacting your MP, or with any other aspect of meeting them, please contact your county adviser by calling the regional office on 01392 440700.
Getting in touch
If you have a short and specific question to ask, there is no reason that you can’t call your MP – either via their constituency office or the House of Commons switchboard on 020 7219 3000. Just ask for the MP by name and you will be put through to their office or answerphone – it’s best to use this method for concise updates only.
Another useful way to contact an MP or share information is via email or post. You can find contact details and voting records on this website: www.theyworkforyou.com. Or, to make life even easier, www.writetothem.com allows you to contact local councillors, MPs and MEPs by email message through a mailing form. Just enter your postcode and then click on the name of the public official you wish to contact.