Frequently asked questions.

How can my MP help me?
As well as voting on legislation and being active in the House of Commons, Andrew deals with a host of constituency issues. MPs deal only with their own constituents, allowing everyone the same access, whatever their political persuasion.

Andrew will always listen to your views and try to help you with any problems you may have. He is best able to help in cases where Parliament or central government is responsible, such as tax problems, pensions and benefits, immigration, etc. An MP cannot offer legal advice in a specific case.

Andrew can also raise issues in the House of Commons, and lobby Government Ministers on constituency matters.

Constituents should accept that there are limits to what an MP can do. For your grievance to be redressed, a change in the law may be required. This is not something that any individual MP can guarantee to deliver.

How does my MP deal with problems?
Much of Andrew’s constituency work is carried out by correspondence. In some cases this is followed up by visits to the various bodies and agencies concerned.

If he is not satisfied with the answers received from various agencies or ministers, or feels that there is something to be gained by making the matter public, Andrew may want to raise the issue in the House of Commons. This can be done as an oral or written question, or sometimes an Adjournment Debate or when the House of Commons is debating a relevant subject.

How can I lobby my MP?
You do not need to go to the House of Commons to lobby Andrew – you can email him or come to his constituency office in Newport (please make an appointment so that you can be sure he will be there). Regular advice surgeries are usually held at Andrew’s office at 24 The Mall, Carisbrooke Road, Newport, PO30 1BW. Tel 530808. Andrew also regularly meets people at venues around the Island on Saturdays – check the Village Talk section of the County Press to find out where he will be.

How can I present a petition?
If you and other people feel strongly about a certain issue, you may decide to organise a parliamentary petition to the House of Commons. These petitions can only be presented by an MP and must be worded in a particular format. You can obtain advice on this by contacting Carole in Andrew’s office on 530808. You should do this before you start collecting signatures.

How do I find out how Parliament works?
There is an excellent website run by Parliament itself which provides a full range of information about the workings of Parliament, together with search engines so that you can look up any topic or speech made by an MP. You can find the website at www.parliament.uk.

The Parliamentary Education Unit also runs an excellent website for young people and students at www.explore.parliament.uk.

How can I visit Parliament?
Andrew is able to arrange visits to the Palace of Westminster for his constituents who live on the Isle of Wight. Please contact his office on 530808 to find out what opportunities are available.