Help raise awareness of pharmacy issues: Invite your MP to visit
Pharmacy owners and LPCs are encouraged to make use of the current break in Parliamentary activity to engage with their local MPs.
Following the General Election, Community Pharmacy England has contacted all new and returning MPs of English constituencies to congratulate them on their respective election victories and seek their support for pharmacy over the coming months and years. Pharmacy owners and LPCs can help emphasise this plea for support at a local level.
The summer recess (running until Monday 2nd September) gives MPs time to talk to constituents and meet with local business owners. For example, Health Secretary Wes Streeting visited a Hainault Station Pharmacy in his constituency of Ilford North last week. With such a turnover in politicians at this election, this year it’s even more important to reach out to your local MP and invite them to visit your pharmacy.
The following materials have been developed to support you to engage with your MP:
- MP Visit Guidance (including a template invitation letter and press release)
- MP Call to Action Briefing (July 2024) (a summary of topical issues to give to an MP following a visit to a pharmacy)
After the Parliamentary recess, Community Pharmacy England will host a Parliamentary drop-in event for MPs on 10th September. This will be an opportunity for new MPs to learn the basics about the sector, including the unsustainable pressures community pharmacies face. Members of Community Pharmacy England’s Committee and policy team will be in attendance, as well as representatives from patient groups.
We will share more information and resources for engaging with MPs ahead of the event.
