Why Writing to Your MP Matters – And Why You Should Do It Today

Badgers at risk under Planning Bill: why writing to your MP now matters, makes a difference, and could stop badgers being killed

There has been much debate about the importance of writing to Members of Parliament (MPs) when we ask for your support in our campaigns. 

You might think writing to your MP is pointless, especially if they support policies you disagree with. But we want to tell you exactly why it’s so important. 

MPs are elected to represent you. While MPs often conform to their party’s official policies, they care about their constituents' viewpoints too, and are always conscious of their popularity in their local area.  Many MPs quietly disagree with their party lines, and your emails give them the confidence to act. For example, several MPs opposing badger culling belonged to a party that officially supported it.

At Badger Trust, we work with MPs from all parties to stand up for badgers. We’re talking to MPs and Lords almost daily, building cross-party support to protect badgers from harmful legislation like the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. But we can’t do it alone. We need your help to succeed.  

“Right now, the Planning and Infrastructure Bill contains a shocking proposal: allowing badgers to be killed simply to build homes. Act now: tell your MP to oppose this.”

Imagine if dozens of people in your area emailed your MP about badgers. It shows them this isn’t a fringe issue; it’s something their voters care about. MPs keep records of how many people contact them about each topic. That “noise” is powerful.

Governments hate noise. MPs hate noise. Why? Because it signals public opposition, risks their popularity, and drains political goodwill. Sometimes, making enough noise stops policies in their tracks. 

We need this noise for the current Planning and Infrastructure Bill now. 

Never forget that MPs work for you, and your local community, because you have the vote.

You may also worry that your MP will only send a standard response. What’s the point of that? The key is this: don’t expect a tailored response when writing to MPs. Those who do may end up disappointed, don’t be. We will help you debunk the standard replies so you can respond effectively to your MP.

What You Need to Do Now

• Write to your own MP using our template. Include your name, address, and postcode so they know you’re a constituent of theirs. Find your MP here 

• Ask them to safeguard badgers in the Planning & Infrastructure Bill: Use our template letter, ask them to raise your concerns with the relevant minister and to share the response.

• Don’t expect a personal reply. Standard responses are normal, but we can help you challenge them effectively.

Writing to your MP shows them badgers matter to their constituents. Even if it doesn’t change their mind today, it keeps badgers on their radar. Change takes time, and persistence works.

Together, let’s make enough noise that badgers can’t be ignored.