I wrote to my local MP by e-mail about 5 weeks ago about an issue I am very unhappy about. His secretary replied the next day asking for my address which I then gave, but I have heard nothing since. I wondered if he is obliged to reply to me, and if he is, if there is some time which he has to do this by? Or are MPs allowed to sit on their arses and ignore their consituents?
2006-10-29 00:37:33 · 12 answers · asked by Sophie 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
No, he doesn't have to reply to you, but keep on trying! Or find out from his secretary when his next surgery is, he has to hold them regularly, so you can broach the issue with him then.
Also, I'm not sure how true this is, but I heard from quite a reliable person that if you ask your MP for a tour of Parliament, they have to do it, so you could try that. Make him work for his money, I say.
2006-10-29 01:08:30 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a courtesy, your MP will reply to your email, or rather, it's more likely you will receive a standard reply to your query/complaint from a researcher/caseworker depending on the content of your email. MP's rely on the support of constituents in order to remain as MP's so if you do not receive a reply in a reasonable time you may wish to send a further email pointing out that you are a voter a therefore require a reply forthwith.
2006-10-29 00:48:44 · answer #2 · answered by paul h 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I wrote to my MP and the Department of Health in the UK about 20 years ago. My MP waited until the vote had taken place in the House of Commons before responding - from memory, it was about a month. It took the Department of Health about four months to reply to me, but I got a full and considered reply from each.
Have patience.
2006-10-29 04:08:42 · answer #3 · answered by skip 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It all depends on the persons, whom we have elected as MPs...Some quickly respond to the peoples problems, but many do not bother to visit and hear the problems of their constituents...He should reply your email, if he cares for his constituents and for their vote...but, he may be busy on other some other gainful activities...
2006-10-29 01:15:16 · answer #4 · answered by Electric 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Obliged to reply to you? No.
It is in his best interest however, as keeping the constituents happy is what will keep him in Parliament.
I suggest sending another polite email to his office referring to the previous communication with the request as to when you could be expect to receive a reply to your complaint. I'd be surprised if they didn't reply by return.
Hope that helps.
2006-10-29 00:47:55 · answer #5 · answered by LoonyToom 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, but you can vote against that MP at the next election.
2006-10-29 00:55:56 · answer #6 · answered by Chuck N 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
'Sophie' often if you ignore something in time it goes away,this may be your M.P.'s 'rule of thumb'. It appears the only thing most of them do is draw their vastly inflated allowances. Even good old Gordon 'Prudence' Brown is at it.
2006-10-29 00:50:57 · answer #7 · answered by Rob Roy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Regardless of whether they are allowed to or not, they do (sit around on their arses and ignore their constituents - hence our Iraq war involvement).
2006-10-29 00:43:14 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
i was very lucky my MP replied to every e-mail
call again
2006-10-29 00:41:47 · answer #9 · answered by cazmo 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They are not committed to reply but many will, these are
the ones that care for you and you vote.
2006-10-29 00:48:11 · answer #10 · answered by Ricky 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋