MP Campaign
This is an idea of how to run a National Campaign to MPs and ask for support with your campaign.
Please feel free to use the templates on this site, amend as needed or write your own, these are just examples of how I did it.
Note that there are 2 different templates:
Letter 1 for YOUR MP - Download
Letter 2 for MPs outside your constituency - Download
Also write a separate “brief account” of the case;
Please see Justice 4 Simon, “In Brief” to see what I wrote.
This will be attached to your letter and it will help your MP get a quick, clear idea of the case.
Add that they can also visit your website for more details on the case and contact you with any questions; always leave your personal details on your correspondence.
Start with the prisoner’s MP and yours if you live in a different constituency.
Outside constituency: Bear in mind that most MP’s will not reply and if they do, they will often tell you that they are not able to act on behalf of someone who doesn’t live in their constituency. Don’t be disheartened, keep at it!
Note: Once your MP or the Prisoner’s MP agrees to support you, there is no law stopping other MP’s joining them so don’t be scared to ask again.
Document this on your website, let your supporters and the press know what you are doing and ask your supporters to use the templates to write to their own MPs.
Always have a structure and inform your supporters of when you will announce the results of your campaign, have a date in mind so that you don’t wait forever. (Be reasonable and check the MPs time tables, a lot happens in Parliament)
Note: Consistency is the key to running a campaign, don’t start something that you will not finish, as small as you think it may be; your supporters will always follow your example.
Always follow up.
Do not take no news as being good news; follow up with your MP (and the Prisoner’s).
You can also write another letter reminding them that you are still waiting for a reply and that you are due to publish your results soon.
A phone call doesn’t hurt either and you can ask for a meeting.
Concentrate on your MP (and the Prisoner’s) as they are the only ones who can help you initially, it will be easier to gather others once these are on board.
Always ask for their permission to publish any correspondence you receive from them.
Inform the press of your results, MPs who agree to support you will often agree to interviews with the press; more publicity for your case.
Send the letters to your MP by post, I emailed the others (it’s cheaper and just as effective)
Visit The Parliament Website for email addresses, there are plenty of other websites where you can find emails for MP, just look for them.
Note: MPs change their emails addresses so you will need to go through the list above and copy them to create your own list.
Create an email for other MPs entitled Miscarriage of Justice, attach your Letter and “In Brief” with a short note to ask them to take a look at your documents.
Remember to thanks MPs who offer their support and add them to your mailing list so that they can see the progress of your case, always keep in touch and don’t hesitate to ask them for advice. Make sure they sign your petition.
Remember to always publish everything you do and tell the organisations.
We were very lucky to be assigned an MP’s Aid who consistently worked with us and supported us, invite them to join you at Miscarriages of Justice day and other events / conferences you attend.
If you have any other questions or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
GOOD LUCK
