Petitions with a Government response

1. Laws to be introduced on social networks on hate preaching against religion(s)

   Government responded – 15 July 2019

   The Government is committed to the principle of freedom of religion and belief. But this needs to be balanced against other rights and freedoms, as set out in the Online Harms White Paper.

   115,999 signatures

2. People found with a knife to get 10 years and using a knife 25 years in prison.

   Government responded – 14 March 2019

   Conviction of a knife or offensive weapon offence – threatening or possession - is now more likely to result in some form of custodial sentence, and for longer than at any point in the last ten years.

   115,723 signatures

3. Increase funding for schools

   Government responded – 5 February 2019

   We recognise schools are facing budgeting challenges and we are asking them to do more. We have increased funding by an extra £1.3bn across this year and next, over and above previous spending plans.

   113,825 signatures

4. Parliament's vote on the Brexit deal must include an option to remain in the EU.

   Government responded – 19 December 2017

   The British people voted to leave and the Government will implement their decision.The vote on the final deal will give Parliament the choice to accept the agreement or leave the EU with no agreement.

   113,612 signatures

5. Change the laws governing the use of fireworks to include a ban on public use

   Government responded – 27 October 2017

   Government takes the issue of firework safety very seriously. There is legislation in place that controls the sale, use and misuse of fireworks; we have no plans to extend this further.

   113,284 signatures

6. STOP BREXIT

   Government responded – 22 November 2018

   The people of the United Kingdom gave a clear instruction to leave the European Union. The Government respects that decision.

   112,578 signatures

7. Allow Premier League and Championship football clubs to introduce safe standing

   Government responded – 3 May 2018

   We are looking at the current all-seater policy and any changes that may be needed. We are keen to carefully review all the evidence on the matter and are grateful for the engagement from fans.

   112,025 signatures

8. Ban Driven Grouse Shooting Wilful blindness is no longer an option

   Government responded – 2 September 2019

   Grouse shooting is a legitimate activity providing benefits for wildlife and habitat conservation and investment in remote areas. Defra is working on the sustainable management of English uplands.

   111,965 signatures

9. Halt Brexit For A Public Inquiry

   Government responded – 15 April 2019

   Investigations are conducted by the independent Electoral Commission. There are no plans to establish a Public Inquiry. The Government is committed to delivering the result of the EU referendum.

   111,918 signatures

10. If there is no agreement to leave the EU then brexit must be stopped

    Government responded – 1 October 2018

    Whilst striking a deal with our EU partners remains the outcome we expect, ‘no deal’ plans are well-developed and we stand ready to make a success of Brexit, whatever the outcome of our negotiations.

    110,136 signatures

11. Ban the sale of animal fur in the UK.

    Government responded – 28 November 2017

    While some fur products may never be legally imported into the UK the Government’s view is that national bans are less effective than working at an international level on animal welfare standards.

    109,553 signatures

12. To establish a Public Inquiry into the conduct of the 2016 EU Referendum.

    Government responded – 24 April 2019

    There are no plans to establish a public inquiry on the conduct during the 2016 EU Referendum. The Government has not seen evidence of successful interference in UK democratic processes.

    109,430 signatures

13. Restore nature on a massive scale to help stop climate breakdown

    Government responded – 2 May 2019

    Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges we face. Nature-based solutions are key to tackling climate change. The Government is deploying such solutions to improve our natural environment.

    109,076 signatures

14. NHS supply new lifesaving drugs for Cystic Fibrosis like 11 other EU countries

    Government responded – 7 December 2018

    The Government urges Vertex Pharmaceuticals to fully re-engage with the NICE appraisal process and to accept the offer the NHS made in July.

    108,144 signatures

15. Reclassify the theft of a pet to a specific crime in its own right.

    Government responded – 27 February 2018

    We understand the distress caused by the theft of a much loved family pet and laws are in place to deal firmly with offenders who commit such crimes.

    107,352 signatures

16. End the Cage Age: ban cages for all farmed animals.

    Government responded – 22 March 2019

    We have already banned cages where there is clear scientific evidence that they are detrimental to animal health and welfare. Our comprehensive laws protect the welfare of livestock in all systems.

    107,187 signatures

17. Abolish the subsidy on food and drink in the Palace of Westminster restaurants.

    Government responded – 6 April 2018

    Responsibility for catering in the House of Commons is a matter for the House of Commons Commission, not for the Government. The House of Commons Commission is working to reduce catering costs.

    107,176 signatures

18. NEW LAW THAT CATS KILLED/INJURED BY A VEHICLE ARE CHECKED FOR A CHIP: ROUND 3

    Government responded – 15 February 2019

    We encourage microchipping of cats and it is established good practice for local authorities and the Highways Agency to scan domestic pets found on our streets so that the owner can be informed.

    107,062 signatures

19. I request a full public inquiry into death of my son, Matthew Leahy. (20 yrs.)

    Government responded – 2 August 2019

    The Government sincerely regrets Matthew’s death. NHS Improvement will review the care that he and others received and will provide advice in due course on whether a public inquiry should be held.

    105,580 signatures

20. Public inquiry into the bias in the BBC

    Government responded – 14 January 2019

    The BBC has a duty to deliver impartial, accurate news coverage and content under its Charter. Perceived editorial bias at the BBC is a matter for Ofcom as the independent regulator, not government.

    105,421 signatures

21. Create a new independent welfare body to protect racehorses from abuse and death

    Government responded – 19 March 2018

    The Government does not consider that it is necessary to create a new body to protect racehorse welfare.

    105,362 signatures

22. Recognise animal sentience & require that animal welfare has full regard in law

    Government responded – 13 March 2019

    The Government is committed to making any necessary changes required to UK law in a rigorous and comprehensive way to ensure animal sentience is recognised after the UK leaves the EU.

    103,918 signatures

23. British National (Overseas) Citizens should be given full British Citizenship.

    Government responded – 24 September 2019

    There are no plans to amend the law in this respect.

    101,954 signatures

24. Without a Deal make "Revoke Article 50" the default action.

    Government responded – 17 April 2019

    It remains the Government’s firm policy not to revoke Article 50. We continue to seek a consensus across the House, which will allow the UK to leave the EU with a deal in place.

    101,782 signatures

25. End the export of live farm animals after Brexit.

    Government responded – 16 October 2017

    Government has a Manifesto commitment “as we leave the European Union, we can take early steps to control the export of live farm animals for slaughter” and will be considering options in this context

    100,752 signatures

26. The Prime Minister should advise Her Majesty the Queen to prorogue Parliament.

    Government responded – 18 March 2019

    The Government has no plans to prorogue parliament and remains committed to delivering an orderly exit from the EU in line with its pledge to deliver on the outcome of the referendum.

    100,718 signatures

27. Ban the sale of products containing unsustainably sourced palm oil in the UK

    Government responded – 22 November 2018

    Government and signatories of the UK Statement on Sustainable Production of Palm Oil have achieved a high level of success in working towards 100% sourcing of credibly certified sustainable palm oil.

    89,802 signatures

28. Call for an end to LGBT human rights violations in Brunei.

    Government responded – 23 April 2019

    The UK has repeatedly expressed concern to Brunei about the discriminatory impact of its laws on the LGBT community. We call on Brunei to uphold its human rights commitments.

    87,670 signatures

29. Give working mums support to pay child care for children between birth - 3yrs

    Government responded – 3 August 2018

    More childcare support is available to families than ever before – backed by the highest level of spending on childcare than any government.

    81,327 signatures

30. Ensure that the U.K. leaves the EU Single Market & Customs Union.

    Government responded – 9 May 2018

    The UK is leaving the EU’s Single Market and Customs Union. We are seeking to establish a deep and special partnership with the EU and a new customs arrangement outside the EU’s Customs Union.

    81,192 signatures

31. The Government should end experiments on dogs.

    Government responded – 15 June 2018

    The Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 gives dogs special status whereby they can only be used in experiments if there is no alternative research model and if their use can be fully justified.

    80,691 signatures

32. Lower the recommended age for a cervical smear test to 18.

    Government responded – 24 June 2019

    Whilst the Government acknowledges those tragic cases where cervical cancer progresses before age 25, UK National Screening Committee advice is to offer screening from 25, based on research evidence.

    77,736 signatures

33. Introduce a minimum sentence for carrying a knife, equal to carrying a firearm

    Government responded – 21 April 2020

    We have no plans to increase the minimum sentence for carrying a knife, equal to carrying a firearm.

    75,163 signatures

34. Grant legal protection to Swallow, Swift and Martin nest sites not just nests.

    Government responded – 25 April 2019

    Birds that habitually use the same nests have their nests protected year round. Swallows, swifts and martins may return to sites but nest elsewhere. It is practical to protect nests while in use.

    73,866 signatures

35. Increase college funding to sustainable levels - all students deserve equality!

    Government responded – 25 February 2019

    A sustainable plan for further education funding needs to be determined through the Spending Review, informed by the review of post-18 education, and consideration of the needs of the FE sector.

    72,241 signatures

36. Introduce automatic approval of visit visas for families of British Citizens

    Government responded – 22 January 2018

    The Government has no plans to change the Immigration Rules for visitors to introduce automatic approval of visit visas for families of British Citizens.

    71,178 signatures

37. Stop the Common Fisheries Policy being adopted into UK law post-Brexit.

    Government responded – 21 November 2017

    When the UK leaves the EU, we will no longer be bound by the Common Fisheries Policy.

    67,959 signatures

38. All venues that hold firework displays to be licenced

    Government responded – 29 May 2020

    Legislation aims to protect animals from the impact of fireworks by controlling their availability and use. Government is taking action to promote responsible use, to reduce the impact on communities.

    67,185 signatures

39. Leave the EU now

    Government responded – 27 November 2018

    The UK will be leaving the EU on the 29th March 2019. EU leaders have now endorsed the Withdrawal Agreement and Political Declaration on the future relationship between the UK and EU.

    66,971 signatures

40. Mandate schools to consult parents before teaching Relationships & Sex Education

    Government responded – 14 March 2019

    We have mandated that schools must consult parents in the development of their policies on Relationships Education and RSE. This will be a legal requirement on all schools.

    65,778 signatures

41. Re-instate nursing bursaries

    Government responded – 15 October 2018

    The are no plans to reintroduce bursaries, which resulted in many students being turned away from a nursing career. We are supporting universities to fill extra places created through these reforms.

    61,101 signatures

42. Hold a referendum on whether to leave with the deal offered or remain in the EU

    Government responded – 29 October 2019

    The Government is committed to respecting the referendum result and delivering Brexit. The Government has secured a great new deal with the EU that will allow us to leave in an orderly way.

    60,827 signatures

43. Insurance should be on the car itself instead of the individuals who drive it

    Government responded – 9 January 2018

    The Government has no plans to change the motor insurance system to require vehicles themselves, rather than the use of a vehicle, to be insured.

    60,448 signatures

44. Make grey squirrel rescue exempt from Invasive Alien Species Order 2019

    Government responded – 26 March 2019

    Actions relating to grey squirrels will not be made exempt from the provisions of the planned Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019.

    59,354 signatures

45. Repeal the Yvette Cooper/Oliver Letwin Act

    Government responded – 31 May 2019

    The Government did not support this Act nor the manner in which it was passed. It remains Government policy that it is in the UK’s best interest to leave the EU with a deal as soon as possible.

    59,319 signatures

46. Change the general election voting system to one of proportional representation

    Government responded – 15 April 2019

    In line with the result of the Parliamentary Voting System referendum in 2011, the Government will not change the current First Past the Post voting system for elections to the House of Commons.

    56,369 signatures

47. Justice for Jodey Whiting. Independent inquiry into deaths linked to the DWP

    Government responded – 8 April 2019

    DWP has apologised unreservedly for the failings in the case of Ms Whiting and recognises the importance of safeguarding. The Government has no plans to hold an inquiry into deaths of claimants.

    55,784 signatures

48. Abolish the 0.7% GDP target for Foreign Aid

    Government responded – 4 December 2017

    Our aid commitment – which is enshrined in law - increases Britain’s global influence and allows us to shape the world around us which is firmly in the UK’s national interest.

    55,152 signatures

49. British Soldiers who served in N. Ireland must have immunity from prosecution.

    Government responded – 11 June 2018

    This Government is unequivocal in our admiration for the Armed Forces whose sacrifices ensured terrorism would never succeed. However, our approach to the past must be consistent with the rule of law.

    54,116 signatures

50. Recall Parliament immediately to urgently debate no-deal Brexit.

    Government responded – 2 September 2019

    The Government has no plans to recall Parliament and it will meet again on 3 September, the date the House itself voted on and agreed to.

    53,754 signatures

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