Frequently Answered Questions

• How can you contact me?

  📧 Email Address: al.pinkerton.mp@parliament.uk 

  While I strive to respond as promptly as possible, response times can vary depending on the complexity of the issue and overall demand. 

  Personal cases are prioritised over policy enquiries and campaign correspondence, which may take longer to address during busy periods. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

• What are my responsibilities as an MP?

  As a Member of Parliament, my primary responsibility is to represent the interests of my constituents in Surrey Heath.

  In Parliament, I achieve this by debating, scrutinising legislation, making interventions, and asking parliamentary questions to advance the interests of my constituents.

  Locally, I assist in resolving personal issues faced by my constituents.

  In addition to my responsibilities as the MP for Surrey Heath, I serve as the Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Northern Ireland. These duties also include my position on the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee.

• What kind of issues can you help me with as an MP?

  My role as an MP is to assist residents with matters under Parliament or central government’s responsibility, such as:

  • Tax queries (HMRC).
  • Benefits, pensions, and National Insurance (DWP).
  • Immigration (Home Office).
  • Healthcare, including hospitals and the NHS (Department of Health).
  • Education issues, such as academy status and grants (Department for Education).

  However, I cannot assist with matters outside my remit, including planning issues, private disputes, financial disputes, or court decisions. MPs cannot provide legal advice or intervene in legal proceedings.

  Where legal action is appropriate, I will do my best to support you within my role and explain if I am unable to assist.

• Am I your MP?

  My constituency covers Camberley, Lightwater, West End, Bisely, Frimley Green, Chobham, Pirbright, Normandy, Bagshot, Windlesham, Mytchett, Deepcut.

  You can easily check if I am your MP via the Parliamentary website. All you need to do is to type your postcode into the box.

• I don't live in Surrey Heath, can I still contact you?

  No, I’m afraid not. There is a strict Parliamentary rule stating that MPs can only offer assistance to residents and businesses located within the constituency they represent. 

  The FAQ above provides details for your MP, and you should contact them directly.

• How long will I take to reply to you?

  I receive a high volume of requests for assistance, information, and support. Along with my caseworkers, I work hard to ensure that all matters are handled as efficiently as possible. Urgent cases are prioritised upon receipt, but this may sometimes result in delays for other enquiries.

  While I strive to respond as promptly as possible, response times can vary depending on the complexity of the issue and overall demand. Personal cases are prioritised over policy enquiries and campaign correspondence, which may take longer to address during busy periods. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

• What is a surgery and when are they?

  An MP surgery is a session where constituents can raise personal concerns or issues with their Member of Parliament. While we cannot guarantee specific outcomes, we assure you that all queries will be addressed by Al’s office.

  When you enquire about a surgery appointment, Al’s office staff will ask for your name, contact details, address, and details of the issue you wish to discuss. This allows us to assess the best way to handle your query and ensure that we find the most effective solution for you.

  As surgeries are often oversubscribed, we conduct preliminary research before your appointment. This may involve contacting relevant third parties in advance to gather information, helping us make the best use of both your time and Al’s.

  Surgeries are held based on demand. If no appointments are available, you may be offered a phone call with one of Al’s caseworkers. They can take notes, ask questions, review relevant documents, and report back to Al to ensure your issue is properly addressed.

  If you have any special requirements, please let us know so we can make any necessary adjustments.

  📧 Email Address: al.pinkerton.mp@parliament.uk 

• What is the best way to invite me to an event?

  The best way to invite me to an event is to email me at al.pinkerton.mp@parliament.uk 

  When sending an invitation, please provide clear details about the event, including its purpose, location, date, and start and end times. If you would like me to take part in any way, such as making a speech, please specify this in your invitation.

  I receive over a hundred invitations each month and can only attend a small number. Priority will be given to events within the constituency, particularly those involving local residents or addressing key constituency issues.

• How to find out how I've voted or what I said?

  The Parliament website shows progress for all bills before Parliament at the link below. However, navigating from there to find the votes is not particularly easy. It may be simpler to ask me directly, or you can enter my name and the subject of the bill into the search box, which should bring up the relevant votes.

  If you want to find out what I’ve said the search function on TheyWorkForYou is also good – you can enter an MP’s name along with a topic.

• My expenses

  My top priority is to serve my constituents effectively.

  The majority of my office and staffing budget is dedicated to maintaining my constituency office and supporting the team based there. I have two paid staff members in Westminster and multiple staff working in the constituency.

  All MPs’ expenses are strictly regulated by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA), and full details are available on their website.

• Booking tours and tickets

  My office is always happy to try and help to arrange a tour of Parliament for my constituents. These tours are free of charge when the House is sitting. Tours are very popular and are booked up many months in advance. Further information on MP booked tours of Parliament is here.

  If you would like my office to arrange a tour of Parliament, please contact me via email: al.pinkerton.mp@parliament.uk

  MPs can often arrange for you to watch a debate in the House of Commons. Please contact my office directly with details of your requirements. Further information on watching debates can be found here. 

  If you are a school residing in my constituency, you can apply for educational visits here: https://learning.parliament.uk/en/schools-and-colleges/