With a new UK Government and 335 new MPs elected into Parliament, we have a real opportunity to have our voices heard and secure a fair new plan for refugees. The introduction of the Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Bill makes it even more crucial to engage with MPs. While there are positive reforms in the Bill, such as the end of indefinite child detention, the scrapping of the Rwanda Act, and the removal of the pause on processing asylum claims, large parts of the Bill still fall short of delivering the compassionate and effective asylum system we need. This is a pivotal moment to push for a fair new plan for refugees that upholds the right to claim asylum in the UK, ensures a proper welcome strategy, and supports positive international solutions, including safe routes to refugee protection.
Across the country, members of the Together With Refugees coalition are reaching out to MPs in their local areas to build connections, tell them about all the work being done to support refugees in their community, and explain why it is important they support a fair new plan. By doing this, we can persuade MPs to sign the Fair Begins Here Parliamentary Promise. It is crucial that MPs hear loud and clear from as many people as possible in their constituency who stand together with refugees, particularly people with lived experience of the asylum system.
Engaging your MP may be daunting, but we’re here to help! To support you we have developed a toolkit, but if you’re short on time here are our top 10 tips on how to reach out to your MP and secure a meeting so we can win a fair new plan for refugees.
- Research your MP
Understanding your MP’s priorities is key. Look into their voting history, speeches, public statements, questions they have asked and what they have said or done locally and nationally which can differ, to determine if they’re warm or persuadable on asylum and refugee issues. This will help tailor your approach. We recommend starting with their social media feed and website. - Work Together
Collaborate with organisations and individuals with lived experience in the asylum sector. People with direct experience are best placed to represent their aspirations for Government policy, and a united effort amplifies your message and demonstrates the strength of your collective work, ensuring your MP hears why people across their constituency support a fair new plan for refugees. - Use our Letter Templates
If you don’t know where to start when writing a letter to your MP, our template letters can help you! Ensure that you personalise them to reflect the intended message specific to your organisation and MP. - Be Persistent
MPs may not reply immediately, but don’t be discouraged. Follow up by phoning their constituency office and check their website for the contact details. You could also see if your MP holds open surgeries. These are great sessions to attend as they provide the opportunity for face to face discussions. Remember, persistence is key. - Start with MP Staff
In a case where your MP is unavailable, meeting with their staff is a great first step. Staff members brief MPs and play a key role in shaping an MP’s understanding of issues. - Use Social Media
If traditional methods don’t seem to work, try reaching out to your MP via social media. Many MPs are active online and may respond quicker there. Keep your messages polite and professional. - Prepare and Practice Before Your Meeting
It is best to arrive at your meeting with very clear messages you want to convey and a clear ask for your MP. Consider having a practice session with your attendees beforehand to test different scenarios and build confidence in delivering your points effectively. - Focus on One Ask
If it’s a first meeting, limit yourselves to asking just one thing from the MP. View the meeting as the beginning of a conversation and a way to develop a longer-term connection. - Highlight Positive Local Impact
Emphasise the incredible work being done in your community to support refugees and showcase the widespread support across the constituency. - Expand Your Reach
If you provide support or have services in multiple constituencies, it is worth reaching out to MPs in those areas to further showcase your work. Engaging with more MPs can broaden your impact.
These are our top 10 tips that will help you build a strong foundation for engaging with your MP. The Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Bill presents both challenges and opportunities, and MPs need to hear from us about the urgent need for a more compassionate and effective asylum system. Remember that MPs are here to represent and serve you, so you have the power to win a fair new plan for refugees.
For additional information or resources, you can access our local MP engagement toolkit here which includes template letters, press releases and social media content. We will also be holding more online meetings on our MP engagement plans but if you need any support or have specific questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch by emailing info@asylum-reform-initiative.org.uk.