[Your address – right hand side]
[The official’s salutation, name, title, address – left hand side]
[Date in full – right hand side]
[Enter name of official and correct salutation/greeting (see: guideline on salutations]
[First paragraph: say why you are writing e.g. in response to a public statement, with reference to an anniversary, with regards to an upcoming meeting, to follow up a previous request. Say if you are writing on behalf of others or an organisation or if you are writing in your personal capacity and what has prompted you to do so.]
[Second, third paragraphs and body of letter: develop your argument, backing it up with facts, figures, specific cases, quotes, relevant legislation.]
[Final paragraph: state what action you would like the official to take, for example: send you information on their stockpiles, grant you a meeting, state their position.]
[Closure: Yours sincerely or Yours faithfully]
[Your signature, name and if appropriate your title and organisation.]
[Copies: who has received copies of the letter]