What are MP Surgeries?
Members of Parliament regularly hold surgeries, and no, we’re not talking about medical procedures! They’re an opportunity for you to discuss issues that matter to you with your local MP in a 1-1 setting.
What are surgeries?
MPs usually hold surgeries once or twice a week – often on a Friday or Saturday. They are sessions where MPs can invite their constituents (people who live in the area they represent) to make appointments to meet with them to discuss issues affecting them or problems they are facing. These issues could be in regards to benefits or immigration status, a concern about the local area, or even a national policy.
Usually there will be a lot of appointments back to back so the MP can meet with as many constituents as possible (i’d compare the format to a parents evening).
The MP will listen to your concerns, may make some suggestions of what you can do, or will offer to take your case away and get back to you with a solution or follow up.
They are often held at a public building in their constituency (usually a village hall, school or library), some MPs even hold surgeries in the local supermarket! Others choose to use their office if they have one. Most Members change the location of their surgeries each week, moving around different areas of their constituency to help them reach more constituents.
How can I attend?
Each MP has a different way of operating their surgeries. They might just be a simple drop-in session or MPs may allocate appointment times for each constituent. Sometimes the MP just pitch a stall in public and invite you to speak to them as you’re going about your weekly shop!
They are usually advertised on social media, however to be sure you get the right information we recommend calling or emailing the Constituency Office of your local MP (find their details here), their offices are always friendly so just ask when and where the next surgery is!
