Petitions with a Government response

1. Scrap plans forcing self employed & small business to do 4 tax returns yearly

   Government responded – 4 January 2016

   Making Tax Digital will not mean ‘four tax returns a year’. Quarterly updates will largely be a matter of checking data generated from record keeping software or apps and clicking ‘send’.

   114,504 signatures

2. Benjamin Netanyahu to be arrested for war crimes when he arrives in London

   Government responded – 21 August 2015

   Under UK and international law, visiting heads of foreign governments, such as Prime Minister Netanyahu, have immunity from legal process, and cannot be arrested or detained.

   114,122 signatures

3. Authorise open book examinations for GCSE English Literature 2017

   Government responded – 27 February 2017

   GCSE English literature content requires students to read the full texts of the books and poems they study. Students will not need to remember the exact words of poems by heart in order to succeed.

   110,876 signatures

4. The DDRB's proposals to change Junior Doctor's contracts CANNOT go ahead.

   Government responded – 16 October 2015

   The Government wants a fairer contract with stronger safeguards. Patient safety is our paramount concern. Average earnings will be maintained and doctors won’t be required to work longer.

   110,065 signatures

5. Shut down the domestic ivory market in the UK.

   Government responded – 17 November 2016

   The Government shares concerns about the crisis facing African elephants from poaching and illegal trafficking and has proposed a ban on trade in modern day ivory as a step towards a total ban.

   108,530 signatures

6. End the badger cull instead of expanding to new areas

   Government responded – 21 September 2016

   The Government is pursuing a comprehensive bovine TB eradication strategy including tighter cattle controls, biosecurity, and badger control in areas where the disease is widespread.

   108,320 signatures

7. Demand an end to the pay restraint imposed on agenda for change NHS staff.

   Government responded – 11 November 2016

   Agenda for Change staff are vital. They work incredibly hard for patients and deserve to be fairly rewarded. We are committed to ensuring trusts can afford to employ the staff the NHS needs.

   106,409 signatures

8. Debate in the House the Local Government Pension Scheme Investment Regulations

   Government responded – 19 April 2016

   LGPS investment decisions will remain matters for local authorities, but councils should compare their investments in infrastructure against the example set by leading global pension fund investors.

   105,772 signatures

9. Restrict the use of fireworks to reduce stress and fear in animals and pets

   Government responded – 5 November 2015

   We are aware that fireworks can cause distress to animals. Restrictions on the general public’s use of fireworks, and permitted noise levels, already exist and we have no plans to extend them.

   104,038 signatures

10. Make mental health education compulsory in primary and secondary schools.

    Government responded – 23 February 2017

    We want mental health to be an everyday concern in all institutions. Schools should decide how to teach pupils about mental health developing their own curriculum to reflect the needs of their pupils.

    103,554 signatures

11. To make votes matter, adopt Proportional Representation for UK General Elections

    Government responded – 24 October 2016

    First Past The Post (FPTP) is a robust method of electing MPs. A referendum on changing the voting system was held in 2011 and the public voted overwhelmingly in favour of keeping the FPTP system.

    103,495 signatures

12. Include expressive arts subjects in the Ebacc

    Government responded – 11 February 2016

    The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) is part of the government’s drive for educational excellence everywhere and a consultation on the plans for implementation ran from 3 November to 29 January.

    102,499 signatures

13. Urge the South Korean Government to end the brutal dog meat trade

    Government responded – 6 April 2016

    The United Kingdom continues to raise the issue of the ongoing consumption of dog meat in the Republic of Korea and most recently debated the issue in Parliament on 5 November 2015.

    102,131 signatures

14. Call on the Government to urge Whirlpool UK to recall all faulty tumble dryers

    Government responded – 27 February 2017

    Government has set up a Working Group to look at options to improve Product Recalls and Safety, and is in close contact with the enforcing authority working with Whirlpool to rectify this issue.

    101,980 signatures

15. Ban all non-recyclable/non-compostable packaging in the UK

    Government responded – 17 January 2017

    The Government is committed to increasing recycling rates and recognises more needs to be done. We will continue to encourage the use of recycled materials in products and recycling by consumers.

    101,941 signatures

16. Parliament to sit on Saturdays which should be a "normal working day" for MPs.

    Government responded – 22 February 2016

    MPs routinely work at weekends and are directly accountable to their electorate on how they perform their role.

    100,353 signatures

17. Don't kill our bees! Immediately halt the use of Neonicotinoids on crops

    Government responded – 26 October 2015

    We are committed to protecting bees and maintaining a range of pollinators. Government decisions on pesticides are based on recommendations from independent experts who have studied the evidence.

    99,909 signatures

18. Britain must not turn its back on child refugees in Europe

    Government responded – 12 May 2016

    As announced on 4 May, the Government will work with local authorities on plans to resettle unaccompanied refugee children from Europe.

    93,905 signatures

19. Allow GCSE Students to have a formula sheet in their tests

    Government responded – 27 February 2017

    The government made changes to GCSE mathematics, including the use of formulae, to ensure rigour and to match expectations in the highest performing education jurisdictions internationally.

    91,913 signatures

20. Enforce the Consumer Rights Act to protect music, arts and sport fans from touts

    Government responded – 8 June 2016

    Professor Waterson’s independent review of consumer protection measures concerning online secondary ticketing facilities was published on 26 May 2016.

    83,220 signatures

21. Save the Human Rights Act

    Government responded – 19 October 2016

    We will set out our proposals for a British Bill of Rights in due course. We will consult fully on those proposals.

    81,148 signatures

22. Make it illegal for any UK political figure to knowingly lie or mislead.

    Government responded – 21 July 2016

    The 7 principles of public life apply to those who hold public office. This includes people who are elected or appointed to public office, nationally and locally.

    78,468 signatures

23. Lower university fees down to £3,000

    Government responded – 14 June 2016

    Anyone with the ability to benefit from higher education should have the opportunity to do so. All eligible students can apply for an upfront loan to meet the full cost of tuition fees

    72,096 signatures

24. Suspend the Myanmar Ambassador for Genocide of Rohingya Muslims.

    Government responded – 1 December 2016

    The UK is deeply concerned by Rohingya persecution, including recent violence. We have called for restraint, humanitarian access and an investigation. Allegations of genocide are for courts to decide.

    71,317 signatures

25. Introduce Compulsory Scanning for microchips by vets, rescues and authorities.

    Government responded – 11 January 2016

    On 6 April 2016, it will be a requirement for all dogs to be identified with a microchip.

    70,800 signatures

26. Cancel the end of Key Stage 2 SATs tests for 2016

    Government responded – 17 March 2016

    We recognise that significant reforms like these take time to embed, but not to administer the tests would be to undermine our shared goal of giving children the best possible start in life.

    70,481 signatures

27. Stop cuts to pharmacy funding and support pharmacy services that save NHS money

    Government responded – 22 January 2016

    Community pharmacy is a vital part of the NHS and could play a greater role. We are consulting on proposals for a more efficient, integrated, innovative system that reflects patients’ expectations.

    68,044 signatures

28. Start aid drops to the starving people of Syria

    Government responded – 26 January 2016

    The UK is helping get food to besieged, starving Syrians by road, coordinated by UN agencies and others who can make sure it gets to those in need. Airdrops cannot operate effectively.

    65,221 signatures

29. Stop car insurance companies ripping under 25s off with sky high prices

    Government responded – 25 February 2016

    Responsibility for setting premiums rests with insurers. The Government is strengthening the learning to drive process so that drivers can present themselves as a lower risk and obtain lower premiums

    64,226 signatures

30. Make tampons and sanitary towels free for females

    Government responded – 16 November 2016

    The Government has no plans to make feminine hygiene products available free.

    64,016 signatures

31. Make the uk armed forces pensions for 22 years service tax free.

    Government responded – 10 February 2017

    Income from all occupational pensions, including those for the armed forces, police and firefighters, is already taxable under UK law.

    63,725 signatures

32. Prevent the closure of Huddersfield A&E department

    Government responded – 3 February 2016

    The Government appreciates that there is local concern about the future of A&E services in Huddersfield. However, this is a matter for local determination.

    63,538 signatures

33. Cancel the planned referendum on Britain's continued membership of the EU.

    Government responded – 4 July 2016

    The European Union Referendum Bill became an Act of Parliament in December 2015, committing the Government to hold a referendum on Britain’s membership. The Referendum was held on 23 June 2016.

    62,478 signatures

34. Reverse the planned tax relief restriction on ‘individual’ landlords

    Government responded – 27 August 2015

    The Government is committed to a fair tax system so is restricting relief on landlord property finance costs to the basic rate of tax, reducing the generosity for wealthier landlords.

    60,894 signatures

35. Stop plans to make it a criminal offence to not pay back your student loan

    Government responded – 7 March 2016

    There is a legal obligation on all borrowers to make repayments if income is above the repayment threshold. We will continue to take action where it is clear people are seeking to avoid repayment.

    58,448 signatures

36. Reconsider the new Dividend Tax for small businesses

    Government responded – 24 September 2015

    The Government is committed to supporting entrepreneurs and a fair tax system. Dividend tax reform allows further cuts in Corporation Tax and reduces the incentives for tax motivated incorporations.

    58,293 signatures

37. Introduce minimum prices that milk buyers purchase their milk for from Farmers

    Government responded – 2 December 2015

    The government understands the concerns of British dairy farmers over current pressure on milk prices. The government is backing British farmers by creating market opportunities at home and abroad.

    58,135 signatures

38. Keep Performing Arts as an Option for GCSE/A Levels

    Government responded – 28 June 2016

    The Government believes all pupils should have access to an excellent, well-rounded education and the arts are central to this. There is no plan to remove performing arts from the school curriculum.

    57,456 signatures

39. Free childcare for 2 year olds to include parents who are both working full time

    Government responded – 29 January 2016

    The main focus for the two-year-old entitlement is to reduce the attainment gap between the most disadvantaged children and their better off peers and we are therefore targeting this group of children

    57,418 signatures

40. Ensure the British fishing waters are returned to the UK post Brexit

    Government responded – 24 March 2017

    On leaving the EU, the UK will control fisheries access in its Exclusive Economic Zone and manage those waters in accordance with international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

    56,983 signatures

41. David Cameron to take serious diplomatic action against commercial whaling

    Government responded – 21 September 2015

    The UK Government is strongly opposed to whaling, other than some limited activities by indigenous people for clearly defined subsistence needs. We continue to call on whaling nations to stop

    56,301 signatures

42. Close sharia courts set up in the uk and make sharia law illegal in britain

    Government responded – 11 August 2016

    Sharia councils are not courts in England and Wales. They cannot legally enforce any decision and must operate within the rule of national law. The Government has no plan to change this position.

    54,742 signatures

43. We demand GPs only decide who is fit to go back to work, not the DWP!

    Government responded – 18 January 2016

    Qualified healthcare professionals carry out Work Capability Assessments providing independent advice to DWP Decision Makers who determine benefit entitlement taking account of all available evidence.

    54,697 signatures

44. Ringfence the NHS from trade deals

    Government responded – 7 February 2017

    The Government is clear – the NHS is and always will be protected in trade deals. Our world-class healthcare sector benefits from international trade and should not be excluded.

    53,706 signatures

45. Drop the plans to INCREASE tuition fees further and open more universities.

    Government responded – 3 June 2016

    Government’s reforms will deliver greater choice and value for students, promote social mobility and boost productivity. Maximum tuition fees will remain flat in real terms.

    53,525 signatures

46. Make Eid a National Holiday

    Government responded – 14 July 2016

    The Government has no plans to create another public holiday, or to vary the existing arrangements. The current pattern is well established and accepted.

    52,712 signatures

47. Increase the maximum sentence for animal cruelty charges

    Government responded – 8 September 2016

    Current laws and sentencing practice deal firmly with offenders who abuse or neglect animals. It is for the courts to decide on appropriate sentences depending on the circumstances of each case.

    52,501 signatures

48. Call on Andrea Leadsom to NOT hold a vote to repeal the Hunting Act 2004.

    Government responded – 11 October 2016

    There is a manifesto commitment to give Parliament the opportunity to repeal the Hunting Act 2004 on a free vote with a government bill in government time.

    51,372 signatures

49. Introduce mental health education to the national curriculum

    Government responded – 11 August 2015

    Good mental health, character and resilience are a priority for Government. To support schools we have funded the PSHE Association to produce mental health guidance and lesson plans for teachers.

    51,234 signatures

50. Reform the rules on filibustering or 'talking a bill to death'.

    Government responded – 10 December 2015

    Procedure within the Chamber is a matter for the House of Commons authorities and the Speaker or Deputy Speaker chairing the debate.

    50,697 signatures

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