This is a special request to all members of the 99% Organisation and readers. It should only take five minutes of your time, but it is important. Please write to your MP today about a meeting in the Houses of Parliament on Tuesday 4 March. 99% will launch our new report The Rational policy-maker’s Guide to Rebuilding the NHS at a meeting of MPs and Lords at Westminster on 4 March at 5pm. Your MP has already been invited by Richard Burgon MP, and your letter will be important in getting them to attend. If they hear from constituents that you think it is important, they are far more likely to go.
The easiest way to do this is to use the WriteToThem website created by the not-for-profit organisation MySociety. You just enter your postcode and it will create an email to your MP. Then you just paste the text of what you want to say, along with your name, address and email. MySociety validates you by sending an email link, and you get a chance to preview and amend your email before sending. MySociety also provides reassurance about privacy in connection with your data.
[Editor’s note: We know, however, that a personally written and posted postcard or letter is even more powerful than using the online service, so, for the price of stamp, your missive could have an even bigger impact. MPs reckon that for every physical letter they receive, there will be at least 100 other constituents who feel the same way. Don’t forget to include your name and postcode. Mail to: House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA. You’ll need to send it asap!]
In terms of what you say, introduce yourself as a constituent – if you are a first time writer, say so, then use your own words to explain that you are:
- a keen supporter of the NHS (perhaps cite some personal experience of the NHS helping you or a family member)
- very pleased to see the Government’s commitment to fixing the NHS
- nevertheless worried that approaches being taken so far may not be enough to solve the problems
- strongly urging them to attend the meeting on 4 March, to which Richard Burgon has invited them, to hear about how the Government can ensure success in rebuilding the NHS.
Many thanks indeed for your support.
With all good wishes,
Mark
