Petitions with a Government response

1. Legal aid should only be available to UK residents

   Government responded – 30 March 2021

   In England and Wales, the availability of legal aid is governed by the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment Offenders Act 2012.

   13,775 signatures

2. Referendum on ending government's economically costly Ukraine/Russia policies

   Government responded – 13 July 2023

   Russia’s attempts to destroy Ukraine threaten security and prosperity across the world. Three-quarters of UN members condemned Russia’s invasion. The Government does not support holding a referendum.

   13,773 signatures

3. Make MPs who are absent from their constituency and Parliament subject to recall

   Government responded – 6 September 2023

   The Government does not intend to amend the circumstances in which the Recall of MPs Act 2015 applies; it is for voters to judge their MP's record and work on local issues at a General Election.

   13,679 signatures

4. Enable those lacking capacity to stand trial to be registered as sex offenders

   Government responded – 2 November 2021

   Individuals who are found to lack capacity to stand trial can be registered as a sex offender under the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

   13,667 signatures

5. Kristian Johnson’s Law. Life sentences for Death by Careless & Dangerous Driving

   Government responded – 15 February 2021

   Driving offences can have devastating consequences and the government is acting to toughen penalties for several driving-related offences. Sentencing in individual cases is a matter for the courts.

   13,663 signatures

6. Urge the ICC to investigate crimes against the Tamil population

   Government responded – 2 March 2021

   The UK has led efforts to support justice and accountability in Sri Lanka, including at the UN Human Rights Council. There is insufficient UN Security Council support to refer the situation to the ICC

   13,582 signatures

7. Repeal the Climate Change Act 2008 and Net Zero targets

   Government responded – 10 May 2024

   The Government’s policy to support ambitious action on climate change reflects the mainstream scientific consensus, and delaying action will only put future generations at risk.

   13,581 signatures

8. Let airlines allow pets in the airplane’s cabin to and from the UK

   Government responded – 11 November 2021

   Pets entering Great Britain travel as ‘manifest cargo’ to facilitate import checks upon arrival. Other rigorous requirements ensure their welfare needs in transport are met.

   13,557 signatures

9. Referendum on whether the UK should be neutral in the Ukraine/Russia conflict

   Government responded – 29 November 2022

   Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is an illegal act of aggression against a sovereign state, condemned by three quarters of the UN membership. The UK will continue to support Ukraine to defend itself.

   13,537 signatures

10. Change COVID-19 critical workers list to include all veterinary staff

    Government responded – 3 March 2021

    Vets whose work is supporting the coronavirus or EU transition response are classified as critical workers in current guidance. All vets may leave home for work if they are unable to work from home.

    13,523 signatures

11. Mandatory Autism awareness training for mainstream schools

    Government responded – 15 December 2020

    The Government is committed to ensuring teachers and other education staff have access to training to develop and build on their awareness and understanding of supporting children with autism.

    13,483 signatures

12. Give holiday caravan/lodge owners the same statutory protection as mobile homes.

    Government responded – 3 June 2020

    Owners of holiday caravans/lodges on holiday caravan sites are protected under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. The Government does not plan to give them similar protections as mobile home residents.

    13,478 signatures

13. Pause the Energy Bill and hold a public referendum before proceeding

    Government responded – 10 October 2023

    The landmark Energy Bill will provide a cleaner, more affordable, and more secure energy system. It has been subject to intense, rigorous legislative scrutiny by both Houses on behalf of the public.

    13,455 signatures

14. Create a Government exam board to make new language GCSEs based on census data

    Government responded – 13 June 2023

    GCSEs in England are offered by several private sector and not-for-profit exam boards. They are not established or funded by government. There are no plans to create a government owned exam board.

    13,442 signatures

15. Don't scrap funding for BTEC Performing Arts

    Government responded – 15 February 2021

    The Government is consulting on the future post-16 qualifications system at level 3 and below. These proposals leave space for performing arts qualifications if they meet the new criteria for funding.

    13,437 signatures

16. Call an immediate general election due to authoritarian Coronavirus measures

    Government responded – 15 December 2021

    The Government does not believe now is the right time for an election; our focus is delivering a national recovery that makes the United Kingdom stronger, healthier and more prosperous than before.

    13,402 signatures

17. Do not make COVID vaccination a requirement for health and social care workers

    Government responded – 14 February 2022

    On 31 Jan 2022, Government announced it intends to revoke vaccination as a condition of deployment in health and social care settings regulations, subject to consultation and Parliamentary process.

    13,387 signatures

18. Increase funding for eating disorder treatment in the community and inpatient

    Government responded – 5 May 2021

    The Government is increasing funding into eating disorder services to address increased demand, working with arm-length bodies to ensure that people with eating disorders get the support they need.

    13,365 signatures

19. Implement Affirmative Consent for Sexual Activity

    Government responded – 24 April 2024

    We have no plans to amend the law on consent. It is long established, well understood by courts, police, practitioners and the public, and provides victims with effective protection from sexual abuse.

    13,356 signatures

20. Change the law to increase sentencing for Hare coursing and poaching.

    Government responded – 27 April 2021

    The Government deplores the cruel and illegal practice of hare coursing. It is aware of the concerns raised. Poaching (including hare coursing) is one of the UK's six wildlife crime priorities.

    13,342 signatures

21. Introduce an unmetered monthly tariff for energy for the elderly and disabled

    Government responded – 11 May 2023

    The Government is considering potential approaches to consumer energy protection post-April 2024. The Government intends to consult on options in summer 2023.

    13,311 signatures

22. Review and increase foster care allowances and tax exemptions

    Government responded – 31 March 2023

    Allowances are reviewed annually. Minimum rates will rise by 12.43% from April. Tax allowances for foster carers have been reviewed and rise from April, representing an average annual tax cut of £450.

    13,310 signatures

23. Test for cervical cell changes, regardless of HPV negative results

    Government responded – 23 November 2020

    Not all cell changes in the cervix require intervention. Screening to detect high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) increases the sensitivity and detects those at risk of disease.

    13,308 signatures

24. Reduce the state pension age to 63 for all

    Government responded – 27 September 2021

    Successive governments and Parliaments have supported the increase in State Pension age (SPa). Reducing it to 63 is neither affordable nor fair to tax payers and future generations.

    13,300 signatures

25. Require honey labels to reflect all countries of origin of the honey.

    Government responded – 31 January 2023

    The Government takes food fraud seriously and is working to ensure honey meets our high standards. Country of origin labelling is not a suitable means for determining if a food is subject to fraud.

    13,288 signatures

26. Allow the return of spectators to football at all levels below national league

    Government responded – 7 September 2020

    On 18 Aug, the Government amended its guidance to provide extra clarification for organisers of non-elite sports events to help them manage and admit spectators safely, adhering to social distancing.

    13,286 signatures

27. Extend theory expiry dates due to COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

    Government responded – 4 September 2020

    The Government is not extending theory test certificates to ensure new drivers’ knowledge and hazard perception skills is fully up to date at the critical point they begin to drive on their own.

    13,285 signatures

28. Suspend all Ofsted inspections from now until September 2022

    Government responded – 15 December 2021

    Ofsted provides vital independent assurance about the quality of education and safeguarding in schools, as they respond to the pandemic. There are no plans to suspend inspection until September 2022.

    13,275 signatures

29. Stop the ban of 4D and 3D registration plates

    Government responded – 3 February 2021

    A new British Standard becomes mandatory for all new number plates fitted to vehicles from 1 September 2021. This will improve the durability of number plates and readability by enforcement cameras.

    13,255 signatures

30. Keep requirement to wear a face covering in shops & supermarkets after July 19th

    Government responded – 30 July 2021

    Face coverings are not required but still expected and recommended when in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces with people you do not usually see, such as shops, which may still encourage their use.

    13,251 signatures

31. Require all dogs to be on a lead when on public pavements

    Government responded – 9 April 2024

    We have no plans to require all dogs to be on a lead on public pavements. It is already an offence under Section 3 of the Dangerous Dogs Act for any dog to be dangerously out of control in any place.

    13,234 signatures

32. Make fireworks quieter: Review and reduce the decibel limit on fireworks

    Government responded – 25 November 2021

    The Government recognises that some people have strong feelings about fireworks and has been listening to concerns raised by members of the public regarding the impact of fireworks noise.

    13,213 signatures

33. Increase funding for treatment of pulmonary fibrosis & interstitial lung disease

    Government responded – 1 February 2023

    NHS England commissions services for interstitial lung disease (ILD) and funds the cost of treatments. Access to treatments has been expanded to patients with non-idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

    13,208 signatures

34. Review how to turn MHRA into a fully transparent, patient first regulator

    Government responded – 20 March 2024

    Patient safety is the MHRA’s highest priority. There are no plans to review the MHRA, including its accountability, approval processes or its monitoring of the safety of products.

    13,194 signatures

35. Lifetime driving ban if you are convicted of causing death by dangerous driving.

    Government responded – 17 February 2023

    The Government takes road safety seriously and keeps the motoring offences under review. That is why a Call for Evidence is being considered.

    13,188 signatures

36. Increase investment in Speech and Language Therapy.

    Government responded – 18 April 2024

    This government has increased investment in the NHS since 2019 in real terms. Systems are developing plans to reduce waits and we are committed to growing the Speech and Language Therapy workforce.

    13,188 signatures

37. Find time to take the Clean Air (Human Rights) Bill through the House of Commons

    Government responded – 26 January 2024

    The Government’s comprehensive existing legal framework for air quality already gives us the powers we need to drive down air pollution and its damaging effects on human health and the environment.

    13,183 signatures

38. Authorise direct flights to North Cyprus

    Government responded – 27 May 2021

    The UK Government has no plans to authorise direct flights between the UK and the north of Cyprus. Direct flights would breach obligations under international law.

    13,171 signatures

39. Require School SENCOs to be fully qualified for the role.

    Government responded – 29 September 2021

    Through the SEND Review, we are looking to improve the SEND system to ensure better outcomes for children and young people with SEND. Ensuring SENCOs are fully qualified is integral to this.

    13,168 signatures

40. Legally pardon those convicted in Great Britain for offences of witchcraft

    Government responded – 6 March 2024

    The Government acknowledges the historic injustices of people accused of witchcraft between the 16th and 18th centuries. However, there are no plans to legislate to pardon those who were convicted.

    13,157 signatures

41. Do not enforce a compulsory quarantine on people arriving in the UK

    Government responded – 8 September 2020

    Ensuring the safety of the wider UK and travelling public must remain our priority. Our approach has balanced the risks of imported Covid-19 cases whilst also supporting the travel and tourism sector.

    13,147 signatures

42. Require broadcasters to call proscribed terrorist organisations terrorists

    Government responded – 18 April 2024

    Ofcom rules ensure broadcast news must be reported with due accuracy and impartiality. The Government is committed to a free media. It would not be right to dictate the language that journalists use.

    13,108 signatures

43. Allow Serbian citizens to visit the UK for up to 90 days without a visa

    Government responded – 12 May 2023

    The Government currently has no plans to change the visa requirements for Serbian nationals. The visa system is kept under regular review and plays a key part in protecting the UK’s border security.

    13,101 signatures

44. Make prison staff top priority as key workers to recieve the covid 19 vaccine

    Government responded – 16 February 2021

    The government is working hard to ensure all who are prioritised during phase one receive a COVID-19 vaccine at the appropriate time. There are no plans to deviate from the advice set out by the JCVI.

    13,092 signatures

45. Create a new regulator of doctors to replace the General Medical Council (GMC)

    Government responded – 17 July 2023

    The Government considers the General Medical Council (GMC) fit for purpose and has no plans to replace it by creating a new regulator of doctors.

    13,091 signatures

46. Athena’s Law: Introduce new requirements for drivers who hit a cat

    Government responded – 27 June 2023

    We recognize the deep upset caused by losing a pet, but a legal obligation to report road traffic incidents involving cats would be very challenging to enforce. We have no plans to change the law.

    13,081 signatures

47. Pay long-term supply teachers and support staff during mandatory closures.

    Government responded – 27 May 2020

    The Government has ensured that financial support is in place for supply staff on long-term contracts, and has published guidance for schools, and the school workforce, available on the Dfe website.

    13,080 signatures

48. Ensure student nurses are paid for placement hours

    Government responded – 1 August 2022

    The Government greatly values the contribution of student nurses. There are currently no plans to pay students while on their undergraduate nursing degree course’s mandatory clinical placement.

    13,076 signatures

49. Stop legal aid for court appeals for people entering the UK illegally

    Government responded – 7 February 2023

    Anyone applying for legal aid in England and Wales is subject to strict eligibility criteria, and as a result, their legal issue must be in scope, and they must satisfy means and merit tests.

    13,060 signatures

50. Leave the 1951 Refugee Convention and 1967 Protocol & revoke the Immigration Act

    Government responded – 26 May 2021

    The Government is committed to the 1951 Refugee Convention and 1967 Protocol and has no plans to repeal the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. We are planning widespread reform of the asylum system.

    13,040 signatures

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