MPs can influence the future of our sport. Many MPs shoot or are sympathetic to shooting, others have no declared position but even those who are anti have an obligation to represent you and raise your concerns.

If you don't know who your MP is or their contact details click here. If  you don’t know your MP’s name it will find it for you by post-code or constituency. You can also search under name. Click on the “search” button and the page will give you the telephone number, address and email (if the MP has one).

The best way to contact your MP is by writing your own letter. It is often said that each letter an MP receives represents 80 voters who didn’t find the time to write and is considered to be worth 20 emails – because sending emails is so much easier than writing.

If you really can’t bring yourself to write send an email. Some MPs don’t publish an address and many are inundated with emails. You are less likely to get a reply or any action by this method. If you do email your MP the same rules apply as for a letter but there’s a limit of 4000 characters on the form so you will have to keep the message shorter than in a letter.

If it's urgent, it’s worth considering phoning your MP, but this is the  least effective way to make contact. The published number will often be that of the assistant and not the MP. Parliamentary staff often work under pressure in crowded and busy offices. It’s easy for messages left for an MP to go missing or not be acted on.

If writing to your MP regarding issues such as the Firearms Controls Consultation, explain your concerns and point out that the Labour Party has a manifesto commitment 'not to restrict shooting sports'.

Remember that each letter you send can do shooting a power of good. Check the website for BASC current issues and press releases that will give you details on the issues we face. 

TIPS FOR THE LETTER

• Keep it short, long letters are less likely to be read, one side of A4 is plenty.
• Use your own words –  standard letters are less impressive.
• Be polite and constructive – it’s easier for an MP to dismiss the rude and negative
• Start by saying that you are a constituent, a member of BASC, explain what shooting you do (wildfowling, rough shooting, deer stalking etc.) and why its important to you 
• Use BASC briefing notes and choose the points you wish to make in the body of the letter.
• Ask the MP to do something – such as writing to the responsible Government Minister, asking a parliamentary question or tabling an Early Day Motion. By convention all letters referred to a Minister receive a reply which will be sent to you.
• Thank the MP for helping you before signing off.
• Send a copy of the letter and any reply to BASC to keep us informed.