Few tips while emailing MPs:
1. Write a brief summary and always use bullet points
2. Try to portrait your personal issues. However try to show how your personal issues impact (if any) British culture or economy etc. There may not direct impact but you need to point out how your issue can impact elsewhere
3. Bullet point the plan of action and politely say if he/she agrees on the same? and if yes, can you expect your MP to do something about it?
You can google for "How to write letter to MP" and get many tips.
I used the following links to understand what should be the content of my letter to the MP. You may find better links in google.
http://www.letterexpert.co.uk/writingtoyourmp.html
http://www.cpj.ca/en/content/how-write-letter-mp
Please ensure you read and understand the roles and responsibilites of your MP: (google for details):
UK Members of Parliament (MPs) have three main roles:
- To discuss and vote on legislation that may become laws;
- To hold the Government to account for its actions;
- To represent and help their constituents. This means that you have a right to contact your MP.
There is no standard template to be honest. You need to ensure your letter directly point MP to one of the above 3 roles. Also ensure o give a meaningful subject line and show your issue area i.e immigration or Home Office etc. They get 1000s of email , try something distinguishable.
===========My format========================
C/O Rt Hon (MP's full name)
Dear sir
<Write your problem in one line. >
<Brief summary of your details or business details if you are applying as limited company director:>
- name
- application no in HO
- date of birth
- address
- contact no
- Business name / VAT/ Company House registration /Pre tax profit since trading - if you are applying as director. I provided this to show the importance
<Background history>
In two of three lines say the entire story, what has been done in the past and whats the current state of your issue
<Impact analysis>
Personal impact or impact of family or businesses anything you believe has impact. Bullet point your voices
<Action items>
Say in your view what are the actions need to be taken and by who. e.g I told HO needs to expedite my premium service application as I was about to lose my business contract due to visa issues. My MP can contact and ask HO about the progress as that's MP's role but MP can not force HO in UK to do something. MP's role is to listen to his constituent with immigration issues but MP will trypically give this job to HO. So you need to be tricky here. The more you read about MP's roles and responsibilites , it would be better for you to phrase it proper way.
====================================
Finally do not blame anything for anything. One CW or some policy makers in HO cause 100s of issues. Raising those as overall does not solve individual cases. Bring more emotions than blame or arogance. That would help.
Hope this helps