Instructions on how to 'Green Card' your MP:

To 'Green Card' your MP is to request a meeting with them in the Houses of Parliament. Whilst there is no guarantee that they will come and speak with you, or be able to give you much time, 'Green Carding' is the recognised and polite manner with which to arrange a meeting outside of surgery hours.

It is often best if you write to your MP, either direct to the House of Commons or their Constituency Office, and request the meeting, rather than just turn up. The introductory letter should be a brief about the subject you wish to discuss, giving personal examples where you feel necessary.

Lobbying in the Houses of Parliament can take place between 2:30pm and 10:00pm.

To 'Green Card':

• Use the Public Entrance at St. Stephen's Entrance (see map below). There is usually a queue at this entrance, but this is for the public to go on the viewing tours. As you have business in the Houses of Parliament, you need not join them.
• Tell the policeman on duty that you are there to see your MP, and give him/her you MP's name.
• Providing you have written to your MP previous to the visit, you should say that he/she is expecting you. If you have not written you can still request to meet him or her.
• Proceed through security to Central Lobby. You will have been asked to switch off your mobile phones, and that no photography is allowed.
• At the desk in Central Lobby, ask the attendant for a 'Green Card' and complete it in detail saying which MP you wish to see, and what you want to talk about.
• If your MP comes out to see you (and there is no guarantee that they will) you will have a short time to explain your position.
• The message you give should be clear; "By it's actions in introducing IR35, the Government is putting my business at risk."
• Follow this by giving personal examples.