Sheffield MP denies she is ignoring emails from constituents after criticism

A Sheffield MP has hit back at criticism that she does not answer correspondence from her constituents.
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Campaign group Sheffield for Europe complained that Miriam Cates, MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, does not reply to emails, telephone calls, or requests for virtual meetings.

They also accused her of deleting polite and reasonable comments on her Facebook page.

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Ms Cates said she received 300 to 400 emails a day and correspondence was answered in priority order.

Penistone and Stocksbridge MP Miriam Cates. Picture by Jonathan GawthorpePenistone and Stocksbridge MP Miriam Cates. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe
Penistone and Stocksbridge MP Miriam Cates. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe

Sheffield for Europe asked its supporters to write to their MPs to try to arrange virtual meetings with them, as part of a day of action against a no-deal Brexit.

Several supporters complained on the group’s Facebook page that Ms Cates did not respond to their requests or answer their emails.

Some had waited over a month without a reply, even after they sent follow-up messages. In one case, outstanding correspondence went back to June. Others received an automatic acknowledgement, with no response to the specific issue raised.

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Mary Seneviratne, chairman of Sheffield for Europe, said: “An MP is elected to represent all their constituents, and should be available to meet with them, and discuss any issues that concern them. She is accountable to all her constituents. Ignoring them is just not acceptable."

Ms Cates said individuals with genuine casework were prioritised.

"I get hundreds of policy or campaign emails but many come from websites where people can put in their name and it automatically sends an email to their MP," she said.

"Some of the emails I get say Dear (insert name of MP) and (delete as applicable) so they have not even changed the format. How is this a good use of my time when we have urgent cases?

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"If we have capacity we will respond to those but it's just not possible for my staff to deal with hundreds of emails a day from people who say they don't like the Government.

"It's wrong to prioritise these when people are coming through with genuine needs. I'm not uncontactable or unapproachable, I respond to people all the time."

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.