How to lobby your MP about something you give a shit about

Written By Siobhan Strode

So you care about something—Gaza, trans rights, housing justice, the NHS—and you’re sick of shouting into the void. Great. Time to take it up a notch and lobby your MP.

No, it’s not as intimidating as it sounds. You don’t need to be an expert, have a policy brief, or wear a suit. (Zero shoulder pads here!) 

You just need to be clear, confident, and persistent. Here's how.

Houses of Parliament

Step 1: Get to know who you're dealing with

Find out who your MP is (if you don’t already know) using TheyWorkForYou. Look at their voting record, recent speeches, party lines, and any known positions on the issue you care about.

Are they a loyal party member? A rebel?  Do they have a moral compass or a back bone? Someone with a public image to protect? 

Knowing this shizzle helps you tailor your message.

Step 2: Be clear on what you're asking for

Don’t just write “Do better!” or “Sort it out!” (tempting as that may be). Be specific. Do you want them to:

  • Support a particular motion or vote?

  • Make a public statement?

  • Raise an issue with a minister?

  • Meet with constituents to discuss concerns?

If you’re not sure what to ask for, find out what campaigners on the front line are calling for, then echo those demands. Amplify don’t invent.

Step 3: Make contact

You can write, email, or request a meeting (online or in person). Your message doesn’t need to be long. It needs to be:

  • Personal (why does this matter to you?)

  • Clear (what do you want them to do?)

  • Polite but firm (no abuse - as satisfying as it feels to write, it gives them an excuse to ignore you)

Here’s a loose script:

Dear [MP Name],

I’m a constituent in [postcode]. I’m writing because I care deeply about [issue]. As my elected representative, I’m asking you to [insert specific ask].

This matters to me because [share a personal reason if you’re comfortable].

I’d like to know your position on this and what action you plan to take.

I look forward to your response.

Best wishes,
[Your Name]
[Your postcode]

Step 4: Follow up

If they don’t reply within 2–3 weeks, chase them. MPs receive a lot of correspondence, but they also work for you. Don’t let it drop. And they’ve got a fricking team of dogsbodies to support them. Be like a thorn in their side. 

Step 5: Make it collective

It’s harder to ignore a group. Get others in your community to contact the same MP. Deliver a petition. Request a meeting as a group. Attend local MP surgeries. Take photos. Post & tag them on socials. Keep the pressure on.

You can even request to meet them in Parliament! 

Step 6: Tell people what you did

Not to brag but to model what’s possible. Lots of people assume lobbying is out of reach. You showing it’s not? That’s leadership.

And before some little shit tells you it’s virtue signalling, it isn’t! 


One final thought…

I just want to remind you that you don’t need to know everything to do this stuff. You just need to care enough to act. And if your MP isn’t listening? Make noise. Make trouble. Keep receipts. And remember: they work for us, not the other way around. They earn a shit tonne of money, but that’s YOUR money. 

Siobhan Strode
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