Call your MP

Why should I call my MP?

Twenty MPs have been picked in the Private Member’s Bill Ballot (PMBB). The PMBB gives us a unique opportunity to get the new Nature + National Security Bill passed into law. We know that from experience, pressure from constituents helps make a BIG difference in an MP choosing what Bill to put down.

Phoning your MP’s office is a fantastic way to let them know that you care about an issue. MPs receive vast quantities of emails on a range of issues, but a phone call will help to get YOUR concerns to stand out above the rest.

You can find an MP briefing for the Nature + National Security Bill here.

How do I know if my MP was picked in the Private Member’s Bill Ballot?

You can find a list of the twenty MPs picked in the ballot here:

These are the twenty MPs picked in the ballot

Sir Desmond Swayne, New Forest West (Conservative)
Lauren Edwards, Rochester and Strood (Labour)
Mike Wood, Kingswinford and South Staffordshire (Conservative)
Andrew George, St Ives (Liberal Democrat)
Dr Luke Evans, Hinckley and Bosworth (Conservative)
Sir John Whittingdale, Molden (Conservative)
Jessica Toale, Bournemouth West (Labour)
Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst, Solihull West and Shirley (Conservative)
Gareth Snell, Stoke-on-Trent Central (Labour)
Lincoln Jopp, Spelthorne (Conservative)
Patricia Ferguson, Glasgow West (Labour)
Robert Jenrick, Newark (Reform UK)
Damian Hinds, East Hampshire (Conservative)
Alistair Strathern, Hitchin (Labour)
Clive Jones, Wokingham (Liberal Democrat)
Victoria Atkins, Louth and Horncastle (Conservative)
Munira Wilson, Twickenham (Liberal Democrat)
Steff Aquarone, North Norfolk (Liberal Democrat)
Mr Paul Foster, South Ribble (Labour)
David Pinto-Duschinsky, Hendon (Labour)

What if my MP isn’t picked in the Private Member’s Bill Ballot?

You can still call your MP’s office and ask them if they will be supporting the Nature + National Security Bill in Parliament. This will really help us. We need the support of the majority of MPs to advance this Bill.

How do I find my MPs contact information?

You can find your MPs Westminster Office number on the parliamentary directory of MPs, or, if their number is not listed, you can be directed through to their Commons office via the parliamentary switchboard by calling 020 7219 3000.

In some cases, you can also find the contact number for your MP’s Constituency Office on the parliamentary directory of MPs, or, if their number is not listed, you can check their personal MP website.

What are some helpful tips for when I call my MPs office?

There are a few helpful things to make sure your call is as effective as possible, such as:

Write down some key bullet points before you call. This will help you to be as clear and concise as possible (review our talking points/script below for some more advice).

Be polite, you will be speaking to your MPs' staff, so a good impression will have a strong impact on the office of your MP. This helps to build your relationship with your MP (and their staff), but also will encourage them to help you.

What should I say when I call my MP?

For MPs picked in the ballot

Hello, my name is [YOUR NAME] and I am a constituent of [YOUR MP’S NAME].
I am calling to ask about the new Nature + National Security Bill. I would like my MP to support this Bill in the Private Member’s Bill Ballot.
I am very concerned that the UK’s national security is at risk from the nature crisis. This is something that the Joint Intelligence Committee and DEFRA have recently warned about.
Please can you let me know my MP’s thoughts on the Nature + National Security Bill and whether they will select the Nature + National Security Bill in the ballot. Thank you.

For all other MPs

Hello, my name is [YOUR NAME] and I am a constituent of [YOUR MP’S NAME].
I am calling to ask about the new Nature + National Security Bill. I would like my MP to support this Bill in the Private Member’s Bill Ballot.
I am very concerned that the UK’s national security is at risk from the nature crisis. This is something that the Joint Intelligence Committee and DEFRA have recently warned about.
Please can you let me know my MP’s thoughts on the Nature + National Security Bill and whether they will be supporting it in Parliament. Thank you.

Remember to get the name of who you are speaking to, as this will make a follow-up email much easier.

My MP’s office asked me to send an email. What should I include?

After the phone call, you can write an email to your MP, referencing the conversation that took place, who you spoke with, and a concise summary of what you were calling about. Make sure you include your name and your postcode so that they know you are a constituent. Please download and attach this MP briefing about the Nature + National Security Bill.

For MPs picked in the ballot

Dear [MP name],

I have just had a conversation with [staff name] in your office on the phone, who asked me to summarise our phone call in an email.

I called to ask your position on the new Nature + National Security Bill. I would like to ask you to champion this urgent legislation in the Private Member’s Bill Ballot.

The Joint Intelligence Committee and DEFRA have warned that nature loss is now a threat to the UK’s national security, with the potential for a catastrophic collapse of UK food systems as early as 2030.

As your constituent, I cannot think of a more urgent and timely Bill for you to champion. Nature is vital to the security of your constituents, our community in [CONSTITUENCY NAME], and the UK itself.

Best wishes,

For all other MPs

Dear [MP name],

I have just had a conversation with [staff name] in your office on the phone, who asked me to summarise our phone call in an email.

I called to ask your position on the new Nature + National Security Bill. I would like to ask you to support this legislation in Parliament.

As your constituent, I cannot think of a more urgent and timely Bill for you to support. Nature is vital to the security of your constituents, our community in [CONSTITUENCY NAME], and the UK itself.

Best wishes,

Nobody answered when I called, what should I do now?

Firstly, did you try both the Westminster and the Constituency office? If not, then try whichever office you haven’t yet contacted. If this does not work, you can leave a voice message, which can be responded to.

What do I say in my voice message?

It’s best to keep this very short and concise:

If your MP is picked in the ballot use this –

Hello, my name is [your name], and I'm a constituent in [constituency]. I was calling today to ask if [MP name] will choose the Nature + National Security Bill in the Private Member’s Bill Ballot.

It would be great if you could get back to me about this, by either calling me back on [phone number] or emailing me on [email address]. I look forward to hearing from you.

If your MP is not picked in the ballot, use this –

Hello, my name is [your name], and I'm a constituent in [constituency]. I was calling today to ask if [MP name] will support the Nature + National Security Bill in Parliament.

It would be great if you could get back to me about this, by either calling me back on [phone number] or emailing me on [email address]. I look forward to hearing from you.

What next?

Can you let us know whether you’ve been able to get through and how the conversation went? Just drop us a message at campaign@zerohour.uk