MP Engagement
All MPs have a duty to represent all their constituents, regardless of whether they have the right to vote or not. More than half of MPs in Parliament were first elected in the recent General Election in 2024. We want to ensure all MPs:
- are aware of and understand the risks of the eVisa system
- hear from the constituents who have been affected by issues
- take action, asking Parliamentary questions, proposing debates and sending letters to the Immigration Minister
- endorse our ask for a public inquiry into the current implementation of the eVisa system.
It’s crucial MPs hear loud and clear from as many people as possible who care about fixing the digital status.
Over the coming months we are asking you to reach out to your local MP to build connections and start persuading them to sign the “Fix the digital status Parliamentary Endorsement” in support of a public inquiry into digital status.
Steps to engaging with your MP: write, meet, share.
Write to your MP
Find out who your MP is, their contact details including their email address here.
Research their party position and the main issues they have spoken out on. You can do this by looking at their voting record, website and social media.
Write to them sharing why you care about fixing the digital status. Personalised letters are the best approach, so make sure you include details about yourself, why you care, and if applicable, how the digital-only system has impacted you.
Personalise the template letter we have drafted.
Let us know you have written to your MP by cc-ing [email protected] in your email.
Ask for a meeting with your MP in your letter.
If you run a community group, we can help organise a workshop, bringing people together so all of you write your letters at the same time, coming up with ideas together. Get in touch with Sarah (the3million Community Organiser) for help.
Plan your meeting with your MP
After writing to your MP, you may not receive a reply promptly. You can follow up with their constituency office by phone. Be polite but persistent.
Check your MP’s website to find out when they are holding surgeries for their constituents. Even if they have not got back to you, you can attend the surgery in person to talk to them.
When planning the meeting, consider who will attend:
- Are there local community leaders, either in the EU Citizens’ Campaigns Network or in your professional network, who can attend as a group?
- Can an Organiser from the3million attend with you? Contact Sarah to check.
- Are you or the3million in touch with someone who has experienced issues already with the eVisa system in the MPs constituency? Contact Sarah to check.
Plan your key messages for the meeting:
- Why is it important to you and your community that the digital-only immigration system is fixed?
- What is not working about the eVisa system?
- What impact is the eVisa system having on your local community, on the people you support locally?
- What can your MP do?
- How will you be publicising the meeting?
Use our summary of key messages.
Resources:
Share
- Ask your MP to take a photo with yourself or your group.
- You can also try to get a quote from your MP - ask them if they would be happy for you to share a short comment on social media. You can suggest wording for them to agree or they may want to come up with their own.
- After the meeting, share key points on social media, including the photo. Tag your MP and the3million and use #FixTheDigitalStatus.
Follow up
After the meeting, follow up with your MP and their office, sending them any information they’ve asked for or you have mentioned and:
- Share the photo you took at the meeting and encourage them to share it on social media.
- The first meeting is just the beginning of building an accountable relationship with your MP. If you have an event or community meeting coming up, invite them to come along to see your work.
