Call your MP’s office & oppose the earned settlement plans

Let’s make sure every single MP hears our message today, whether in Parliament or not.

Find your MP’s number  

Find out who your MP is. You can easily find this information here. It’s more effective to call your MP’s constituency office, you should be able to find that on your MP’s website. If you’re unsure how to find their constituency information use their Westminster details. 

If you’re in Scotland you can find information about your MSP here.

 

Find out about their position 

Once you know who they are, do a bit of research. What are their interests? What issues have they spoken about or supported before? Have they spoken out in support of migrants and refugees before? You can find this information here.

Call them 

When you call your MP/MSP’s constituency, it’ll likely be answered by a staff member.

Ask to speak to your MP/MSP. Your MP/MSP might be at the mass lobby and speaking in-person to people impacted by the earned settlement changes. Even if your MP/MSP is available, the case worker will likely say it isn’t possible to speak to them. Then do the following:  

  • Ask the caseworker to take a message and use the example below. Ask them to pass on that message. 

  • Ask if you could arrange a phone call or meeting to discuss the earned settlement changes at another time. 

  • Thank them and ask them for an email address to follow up. 

Example of what to say

Hi, I’m a constituent and I’m looking to speak to (MP/MSP’s name) about the Government’s earned settlement plans. I am calling in support of the mass lobby happening in Parliament today. 

You may then be asked to email your MP. If they are happy to take a message you could say the following: 

I am deeply concerned that this new system will mean that rights and stability will depend on how much you earn or what job you do. For some people they will be waiting for 30 years for permanent settlement here. 

This will effectively create a permanent second-class population in our society - people who live, work, and raise families here, yet are never allowed to belong. 

I am particularly concerned that the Government plans to apply these changes retrospectively, moving the goalposts for over a million people who already call the UK their home, including 300,000 children. 

They would punish low-paid workers, including those people invited to this country to fill in vital gaps in our social care system. Beyond that, it’ll undermine our economy and foster division in our communities. 

I am asking you as my MP to write to the Home Secretary to oppose the proposals and request to pause the proposals until a full impact assessment has been carried out.

Top tips

  • Make it clear you are a constituent. 

  • Stay calm. Be considerate and polite.

  • Make sure to include a clear ask for your MP.  

  • Be as concise and clear as possible. 

  • You don’t need to know all the facts. What is important is showing the issue matters to you.

  • Tailor it to make it personal to the MP, their interests and/or their constituency. For example, thank them if they have acted for migrants and refugees before. 

  • Tell a personal story. If you’re comfortable telling an MP your personal story, this can be a powerful way to get your message across. MPs will want to know how the Government’s choices are impacting the people they represent. Please note we do not advise that undocumented people should approach their MP for support without legal advice. It is important you do not share personal or immigration status details with your MP if you’re undocumented. 

  • Ask for acknowledgement of your message. 

  • If you’re directed to a voicemail make sure you leave your full name and number and ask for a callback.

Send them an email to follow up 

  • Sometimes MPs will want to forward your email directly to the Minister or relevant department because they do not feel that they can answer your concerns. You should always specific that you are happy for them to do this to avoid any delays. However, make sure not to include anything in your letter you would not want to be passed on if you do so. 

  • Don’t forget to include your address!