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What does an MP do?
The most prominent activity of an MP is speaking in debates in the chamber of the House of Commons and questioning Ministers. But this is only a small part of an MP's work. Support for issues can be registered through Early Day Motions (EDMs) but much serious and time consuming work is done in Committee.
An MP also works on behalf of the electorate in their home constituency. He can lend his support, send out press releases and therefore help generate publicity for local issues.
He will also hold regular "surgeries" and do casework on behalf of individual constituents. Obviously, this work is almost all completely confidential, so details cannot be given.
A Member of Parliament can investigate matters relating to Parliament or Central Government.
They include:
- Inland Revenue,
- Customs and Excise,
- Department of National Savings,
- The Land Registry,
- Immigration and Nationality,
- Post Office,
- Passport Offices,
- Prisons,
- Health
- including hospitals and the NHS (but not complaints about individual doctors),
- Social Securityincluding pensions and National Insurance,
- Education
- including school closures and grants (but not day-to-day running of schools),
- Employment Service
- including Job Centres and unemployment office,
- Training and Enterprise Councils,
- Department of Transport and related organisations such as DVLC and Traffic Area Offices and
- Local Authority
- dustbins, street cleaning, housing repairs, tenancy matters, playing fields, social services (but you must first direct queries through your local Councillors).
In certain cases your MP can refer your complaint to Government Ministers or to the Parliamentary Ombudsman.
Your MP will try to give advice on any problem you have, but there are some problems that they cannot investigate. These include:
- Private disputes between individuals,
- Decisions made by the Courts.
Why did you want to become an MP?
The chance to help people and hopefully to make a difference to their lives.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Helping people with their problems. It may sound a bit corny, but it's true. There is enormous satisfaction in solving an issue that is causing distress to my constituents
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How can I get Andy Love to come and talk to
my local group?
It is very important to me that I keep in touch with local organisations and I am always happy to come and meet groups that are based in Edmonton.
For example, disability groups, pensioners' organisations, local businesses, schools, youth clubs, church groups, etc.
If you would like me to visit your organisation, or help you with a local launch, etc, please contact my constituency office and I shall endeavour to be of assistance.
What do you believe are the issues facing the constituency of Edmonton?
I believe the most important thing for our area is that Edmonton shares in the rising prosperity of London as a whole.
What have you done for your constituents in Edmonton since you were elected?
I've dealt with thousands of requests for assistance or information from constituents experiencing problems with benefits, housing, and jobs and have worked hard to represent Edmonton to the best of my ability.
Can members of the public visit the House of Commons?
Yes. I can obtain tickets for visits to the House of Commons and the House of Lords, although these are sometimes in great demand and it is not always possible to get tickets for the day you want them.
If you would like tickets for one of the galleries, please telephone my office well in advance on 0207 219 6377 and we will try to arrange these for you.
How can I apply for a postal vote?
The law now allows anyone included in a Register of Electors to apply for a postal vote without the need to give any reason or to have the application countersigned.
If you would prefer to vote by post instead of going to a polling station you should contact the local council and ask to be put through to the Electoral Registration Office. Ask them to send you an application form. Your form should be returned well in advance of polling day.
Enfield Council: Tel. 0208 379 1000
Where is Edmonton ?
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