There is huge media under-reporting of the many Reform UK scandals and on what a disaster RUK will be if it forms a government. We can change this by writing Letters to the Editor.
Letters to the Editor (LTEs) are a common tool for engaged activists to voice their concerns in a paper or magazine. This is a really easy and straightforward action.
Why are LTEs important?
We all know that direct advocacy works. When we contact our MPs, we remind them what the people think is important, who they are working for, and who has the power to keep them in office. People power is the most potent tool in the political playbook. There are many ways to drive people to act. The most common and impactful is always direct contact — it’s why we call and email. But, we never quite reach everyone and you can’t support what you can’t imagine.
When we write a letter to the editor, we are driving the public perception of what is accepted and what is popular. We speak out to challenge the idea of what is possible. In doing so, we add to the public chorus of voices pushing our representatives to act for the benefit of the people.
Much like a conversation with a neighbour, a letter to the editor can help a budding activist realise that they are not alone. Do you remember the first time that you read a voice that mirrored your dreams for a just and equitable future? Do you remember how freeing it was to see your ideas in a public forum? We do. These are the moments that allow us to give ourselves permission to act, to engage, to demand a better world.
Calls to your MP are highly impactful but they don’t reach the general public. LTEs are one of the few tools that work in both directions. They push our MPs to act through clear and visible public asks, while also reminding our community that they are not alone and have the power to change our world. This is how we effect change and build community.
Guidelines for writing your letter
Here’s all the information you need to take action and get your letter sent off (Thanks to We Own It for providing this template and list of local press):
- Keep your letter simple and short. The ideal length of a letter to your local paper is 150 words. You can make it shorter If you like. The shorter your letter is, the easier it is for your local paper to find space for it in their ‘Letters’ page.
- Your letter must have a clear named target. This could be your MP or the government. You must mention them by name in your letter as they are the one you are asking to take action.
- It must be clear in your letter what you want your target to do. This will depend on your ask. This could be asking your MP or the government to take action on far-right extremism, or asking the government to set up an Inquiry into Russia interference in British politics. It could also be asking why the media is underreporting on the Russia bribery scandal related to Reform UK’s Nathan Gill and reports that other MEPs of Farage’s political parties are being investigated. (add links)
- Your letter should give some background/context. This helps the public understand why you are writing your letter – and why you’re writing it now. This newsy angle also helps encourage them to publish it.
- Give your letter a personal angle. It helps if you mention a personal reason why this is important to you. Are you, your family or friends affected by the cost of living crisis or the upcoming vote on anti-democratic legislation?
Steps for sending your letter off!
Step 1: Find your MP, note their name if relevant.
Step 2: Find the contact details for the paper you want to contact:
- Find your local paper so you know who to address your letter to and where to send it. You can use the search function in the google sheet. Click ‘edit’ from the top left menu, then ‘find and replace’ at the bottom of the drop down and enter your town, city, county etc. Don’t worry you can’t edit or delete anything from the document.
- Or here is an alternative lists of local papers.
Step 3: Write your letter using the template below as a guide
Step 4: Send your letter off to the relevant contact(s) on the ‘Find your local paper’ sheet!
Template letter:
Subject: Letter to Editor – name of news outlet
Dear Editor
Sentence 1: Point out that you notice that the local MP or the government is not taking action on an issue related to far-right extremism or Russia interference in British politics. Explain that this hasn’t really gotten much attention/has gone under the radar.
Sentence 2: Point out the damage far-right extremism is doing to our country by causing division, increasing racism and the Farage riots in 2024. Or the damage Russia interference in British politics is doing.
Sentence 3: Tell them that your MP or the government the government needs to take action on this issue. That your MP could lobby the government to change its policy. Explain that you have emailed your MP and they haven’t committed to doing anything to resolve this crisis.
Sentence 4: Tell them why you care.
Sentence 5: Say something constructive that are taking action on this issue you’ve raised.
STOP REFORM UK 