Writing to MPs

If an MP isn't listed on this website it usually means they haven't told us they support the campaign (although we are more than happy to correct any mistakes). This may be because they don't support an elected Lords; often it is simply because they haven't been asked.

We know that 332 out of the 659 MPs voted for a wholly or mostly elected second chamber in 2003, but that was two years ago and we now have a new Parliament. And an impersonal letter from a pressure group is always less effective than a letter from a constituent.

This is where you come in. By writing to your MP you are showing them that local voters believe this is an important issue. The success of this campaign depends on local people like you putting pressure on the people who want to represent you in parliament.

Please note that although we are delighted to receive the support from other elected representatives, and will publish the names of all Parliamentarians and Assembly Members we receive, we are mainly interested in Members of the House of Commons. This is because they are the ones in a position to actually vote for a democratic House of Lords.

Contacting your MP

If you don't know who your local MP is, you can look them up on the Parliament website (http://www.locata.co.uk/commons/).

The postal address for all MPs is: [their name] MP, House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA.

Alternatively, you can also send them a fax for free online, by going to WriteToThem (http://www.writetothem.com/).

What to write

A letter in your own words is worth a hundred standard letters and for this reason have not provided you with a template to simply cut and paste. However, you may want to include the following points in your letter:

• 77 per cent of the public support a predominantly or wholly elected second chamber.

• The majority of MPs voted for a predominantly or wholly elected second chamber in the vote on 3 February 2003.

• An elected second chamber would have more legitimacy than an appointed House of Lords.

• Ask them to sign up to the Elect the Lords campaign by visiting this website or writing to Elect the Lords, 6 Cynthia Street, London N1 9JF.

• If another PPC or MP for the constituency is a supporter, make sure you mention this!

• If you are writing to an MP, ask them to pass on your letter to the Lord Chancellor Lord Falconer of Thoroton QC (this is important as it means the government get to hear your views as well).

See our FAQ for more information.