How to Contact a Local MP or MS About an Issue that Matters to You

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Information, advice and advocacy helpline for children and young people

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Getting involved in how Wales and the UK are run is important. Elected representatives need to know what people think.

Your local Member of Parliament (MP) or Member of the Senedd (MS) works for you. You can contact them about local problems, bigger issues in Wales and the UK, or the world.

Who can you contact?

Wales is part of the United Kingdom (UK). Because of this, we have two levels of government that make rules for us. This is called devolution.

Your MS (Member of the Senedd) works in the Senedd (Welsh Parliament) in Cardiff. They deal with devolved issues, which are when the Senedd makes laws just for Wales. This includes services you use every day. Think of health (like the NHS in Wales) and education (like your school or college). Other devolved issues are the environment and social services.

Your MP (Member of Parliament) works in the UK Parliament in Westminster, London. They deal with reserved issues. These are things that affect the whole UK. This includes big stuff like the Armed Forces and Immigration. It also includes Benefits and Pensions (like Universal Credit). If your issue is about a worldwide problem, like climate change, your MP is often the best person to contact.

If you are not sure which person to contact, don’t worry. Just pick one. They can always tell you the right person to speak to. You can find your MP and MS by searching online using your postcode.

Someone having an idea to contact their local MS

Start with the basics

Your letter or email should be clear and polite. The goal is to make a strong point quickly.

First, include your full address. MPs and MSs only work for the people who live in their local area. They need to check that you are a constituent (a person they represent). If you do not include your address, they may not reply.

Use a simple, polite greeting. Start with “Dear [MP’s name]” or “Dear [MS’s name].” For an email, use a short, clear subject line. For example: “Concern about local skatepark safety” or “Funding for youth apprenticeships.”

An envelope with a plain piece of paper in it, waiting to be written on

Explain the problem clearly

Get straight to the point in your first paragraph. What is the issue you are writing about?

Use simple, direct language and avoid long or complicated words. You might be tempted to use AI like ChatGPT to help you make your point better, but it can over-complicate what you’re trying to say. If you are using it, make sure you check it to make sure it’s accurate, simple, and clear. For example, instead of writing about a “systemic deficiency in public transit provision,” say “The 8 am bus is always late” or “there are no safe bike lanes in my town”.

Explain the impact on you. Why does this issue matter to you, your friends, or your family? If you feel comfortable, try to make it as personal as you can. Sharing your experience helps them understand the real-life effect. For example, tell them: “Because the bus is late, I miss the start of my college class every day.” This shows it is a serious problem that has an impact on your life.

What should they do?

This is the most important part of your message. You need to tell them what action you want them to take. Do not just complain about the problem, ask for a solution or an action! You could ask them to do things like:

Ask a question – They can ask a Minister in the Welsh or UK Government about the issue.
Speak up – Talk about your issue in the Senedd or Parliament.
Meet with you – You could also ask for an appointment. They hold sessions called ‘surgeries’ to meet with local people.

Make your request simple. For example: “Please write to the Transport Minister and ask them to fix the bus schedule.” or “I would like to meet you at your next surgery to discuss this.”

Someone writing a letter with a pen and paper

End politely

End your letter or email with a polite closing. Say that you look forward to hearing what action they will take. Use “Yours sincerely” before typing your name.

Remember that your MP or MS is very busy. It may take them a few weeks to reply. If you do not hear back after a few weeks, it is okay to send a gentle follow-up email. Be patient, but be persistent. Writing to your representative is a powerful way to make a difference in your area.

Remember your rights!

Remember that you have a right to contact your elected representatives. This right is a fundamental part of our democracy, meaning they have a duty to listen to their constituents.

For anyone under the age of 18, this right is supported by Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Article 12 says that children have the right to express their views freely in all matters affecting them, and to have their views taken seriously.

If you are over 18, your right to speak to people who represent you is a basic part of UK democracy. You are not asking for a favour – you are claiming your right to have a say.

If you need to talk more about this or any other issue, remember you can always contact Meic. We are here to help with free information, advice and advocacy.