Members of Parliament are elected to the House of Commons to represent the interests and concerns of all the people who live in their constituency, whether they voted for them at the General Election or not. They are only able to deal with issues raised by people who live in their constituency, called constituents.
MPs consider and vote on legislation and are able to ask Government Ministers questions about current issues.
They split their time between working in Parliament and working in the constituency. In Parliament, MPs spend their time fighting for the interests of their constituents, attending debates, scrutinising and voting on legislation, and attending meetings. In the constituency, MPs hold advice surgeries for their constituents to come and talk to them about local issues and problems, attend meetings and community events, as well as visiting local organisations and businesses.
Members of Parliament are able to help with all matters for which Parliament or central government is responsible but they do not have the power to 'order' Government departments or bodies such as local Councils or the police to act in a particular way for an individual constituent or group of constituents.
When a constituent writes to their MP, they will write to the relevant department or official or the Minister involved. Many problems are solved in this way.
If contacting the department or Minister does not produce a resolution, an MP can ask an oral or written question, secure a debate or petition Parliament but only if a constituent is happy for the issue to be made public,
Government Departments
Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy enquiries@beis.gov.uk Tel: 020 7215 5000 Building a stronger, greener future by tackling climate change, unleashing innovation and making the UK a great place to work and do business.
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport enquiries@dcms.gov.uk Tel: 020 7211 6000 The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) helps to drive growth, enrich lives and promote Britain abroad. It protects and promotes our cultural and artistic heritage and helps businesses and communities to grow by investing in innovation and highlighting Britain as a fantastic place to visit. They help to give the UK a unique advantage on the global stage, striving for economic success.
Department for Education www.gov.uk/contact-dfe Tel: 0370 000 2288 The Department for Education is responsible for children’s services and education, including early years, schools, higher and further education policy, apprenticeships and wider skills in England.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs www.gov.uk/guidance/contact-defra Tel: 08459 335577 Responsible for Government policy on the natural environment, food, farming, fisheries, animal health and welfare, rural communities and environmental protection.
Department for International Trade Tel: 020 7215 5000 DIT works to secure UK and global prosperity by promoting and financing international trade and investment, and championing free trade.
Department for Transport www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/contact-department-for-transport Tel: 0300 330 3000 The Department works to support the transport network that helps the UK’s businesses and gets people and goods travelling around the country. They plan and invest in transport infrastructure to keep the UK on the move.
Department for Work and Pensions www.dwp.gov.uk The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is responsible for welfare, pensions and child maintenance policy. As the UK’s biggest public service department it administers the State Pension and a range of working age, disability and ill health benefits to around 20 million claimants and customers.
Department of Health and Social Care www.contactus.dhsc.gov.uk Tel: 020 7210 4850 Responsible for Government policy on health and provides strategic leadership for public health, the NHS and social care in England.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office fcdo.correspondence@fcdo.gov.uk Tel: 020 7008 1500 The FCDO pursues our national interests and projects the UK as a force for good in the world. They promote the interests of British citizens, safeguard the UK’s security, defend our values, reduce poverty and tackle global challenges with our international partners. It is also responsible for Consular services, travel advice and sanctions implemented by the UK.
HM Treasury public.enquiries@hmtreasury.gov.uk Tel: 020 7270 5000 HM Treasury is the government’s economic and finance ministry, maintaining control over public spending, setting the direction of the UK’s economic policy and working to achieve strong and sustainable economic growth.
Home Office public.enquiries@homeoffice.gov.uk Tel: 020 7035 4848 Responsible for Government policy on crime, the police, counter terrorism, alcohol, drugs, immigration and passports.
Ministry of Defence Tel: 020 7218 9000 The MoD works for a secure and prosperous United Kingdom with global reach and influence. It will protect our people, territories, values and interests at home and overseas, through strong armed forces and in partnership with allies, to ensure our security, support our national interests and safeguard our prosperity.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Contact Form Tel: 0303 444 0000 The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s (formerly the Department for Communities and Local Government) job is to create great places to live and work, and to give more power to local people to shape what happens in their area.
Ministry of Justice Contact Form Tel: 020 3334 3555 The Ministry of Justice is a major government department, at the heart of the justice system. it works to protect and advance the principles of justice. Their vision is to deliver a world-class justice system that works for everyone in society.