Petitions with a Government response

1. Make planting trees a priority to reduce flooding by improving soil and drainage

   Government responded – 25 February 2016

   Trees can slow the flow of water down and reduce the impacts of floods; we are currently exploring the increased role that this could play in flood risk management.

   30,665 signatures

2. The government has no mandate to privatise the NHS and should cease immediately.

   Government responded – 25 February 2016

   The Government is not privatising the NHS; we are committed to an NHS free at the point of use, based on clinical need and not ability to pay. In 2015/16, spend on private providers was just 6.3%.

   30,390 signatures

3. Call on DEFRA to withdraw UK approval of A24 trap, sold in NZ to kill hedgehogs.

   Government responded – 3 April 2017

   The Goodnature A24 trap is not approved for use against hedgehogs in England. Where traps are used for other species, the trapper must ensure that offences against protected species are not committed.

   29,613 signatures

4. Stop KS1 tests and go back to teacher judgements and levels

   Government responded – 18 March 2016

   We recognise that reforms like these take time to embed, but the new tests and the removal of levels are central to achieving our shared goal of giving children the best possible education.

   29,463 signatures

5. Save State-Funded Nursery Schools

   Government responded – 24 November 2016

   We want maintained nursery schools to be sustainable for the long-term. We will provide £55m a year of supplementary funding for them for at least 2 years and consult on their future in due course.

   29,200 signatures

6. We demand the British Government Reschedule Cannabis.

   Government responded – 5 November 2015

   Herbal cannabis is listed in Schedule 1 as a drug with no recognised medicinal uses outside research. A substantial body of scientific evidence shows it is harmful and can damage human health.

   29,114 signatures

7. STOP all immigration & implement an Aussie style border control system.

   Government responded – 24 February 2017

   The Government is committed to reducing net migration to sustainable levels. Non-EU workers must have a skilled job and pay towards the NHS. Brexit will allow us to get more control of EU migration.

   28,986 signatures

8. Car insurance is compulsory therefore it should be nationalised

   Government responded – 21 March 2017

   The Government is taking action to tackle high insurance premiums caused by fraudulent and expensive whiplash claims.

   28,879 signatures

9. Immediately stop plans to cut Southeastern services to Charing Cross & Victoria

   Government responded – 10 April 2017

   We are seeking passengers’ views on the principle of reducing the choice of London termini to provide a more regular timetable and reliable service. We are not proposing to cut specific services.

   28,678 signatures

10. Stop changes to the Civil Service Compensation Scheme

    Government responded – 10 May 2016

    The Government has consulted on changes to the Civil Service Compensation Scheme. It has not yet made a decision and will respond to the consultation in due course.

    28,643 signatures

11. Allow loud call for prayer (Adhan) in UK mosques

    Government responded – 4 October 2016

    Britain has a proud tradition of religious tolerance and we support people’s right to conduct their lives in accordance with their faith.

    28,609 signatures

12. Make Continuous Glucose Monitors available on the NHS for Type 1 Diabetics

    Government responded – 7 October 2016

    Commissioners decide whether to make continuous glucose monitors available locally. NICE considers they can have benefit but are generally no more effective than current methods of self monitoring.

    28,410 signatures

13. Make it a criminal offence for a mother to deny a father contact with his child

    Government responded – 29 January 2016

    The Government is confident that enforcement measures available to deal with breaches of court orders for child arrangements are sufficient and there is no need to legislate to criminalise parents.

    28,214 signatures

14. Sharia Law and the use of Sharia courts within the UK should be prohibited.

    Government responded – 18 April 2016

    Sharia ‘law’ has no jurisdiction in England and Wales and the Government has no intention to change this position.

    27,885 signatures

15. Overturn the Government's decision to allow fracking in Lancashire.

    Government responded – 31 October 2016

    Full reasons for the Secretary of State’s decisions were published in his decision letter of 6 October 2016.

    27,868 signatures

16. DECC to urgently review the current approach to the solar feed in tariff

    Government responded – 21 September 2015

    The Government is committed to a low carbon and affordable future for energy while also ensuring bill payers are getting the best possible deal.

    27,695 signatures

17. Do not judge student finance on parents/guardians income

    Government responded – 6 April 2016

    The Government is confident that it has struck the right balance between delivering a financially sustainable system and ensuring fair access to higher education for students from all backgrounds.

    27,605 signatures

18. Force close Retailers on Boxing day! Greed keeps many having to go to work!

    Government responded – 15 December 2015

    We do not believe it is for central Government to tell businesses how to run their shops or how best to serve their customers. Therefore we are not proposing to ban shops from opening on Boxing Day.

    27,525 signatures

19. Verify that all child refugees accepted into the UK are genuinely under 18.

    Government responded – 8 November 2016

    We do as much as we can at initial interview to assess whether an asylum seeker is under 18. This can be followed by a local authority age assessment, approved by two social workers.

    27,509 signatures

20. Fund more research into DIPG brain tumours, which are almost universally fatal.

    Government responded – 15 July 2016

    The Government has set up a new working group on how to increase the impact and quantity of brain tumour research, including that on DIPG to achieve better outcomes for patients and their families.

    27,502 signatures

21. Ask the Government not to invoke article 50 of the Lisbon treaty.

    Government responded – 11 August 2016

    The British people have voted to leave the European Union and their will must be respected and delivered.

    27,151 signatures

22. Put the final Brexit deal to a referendum with revoking Article 50 as an option.

    Government responded – 19 October 2017

    On 23 June 2016 the British people voted to leave the European Union. The UK Government is clear that it is now its duty to implement the will of the people and so there will be no second referendum.

    27,005 signatures

23. Debate the possibility that the "Will of the People" has changed since Brexit

    Government responded – 8 February 2017

    On 23 June 2016 the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union in a referendum provided for by an Act of Parliament.

    26,951 signatures

24. Give military veterans priority housing and mental health care

    Government responded – 27 February 2017

    The Government has already taken steps to ensure that veterans are given appropriate priority for housing and those that suffer from mental health problems receive the support and care they need.

    26,754 signatures

25. Allow retired dependent parents of British citizens in U.K

    Government responded – 13 March 2017

    The Immigration Rules for adult dependent relatives provide a route for those who require a level of long-term personal care that can only be provided in the UK by their relative here.

    26,741 signatures

26. Introduce LGBT sex education as a compulsory part of the school curriculum.

    Government responded – 16 November 2015

    Sex and relationship education should be relevant and sensitive to all young people,whatever their sexuality.The government is also committed to tackling homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying.

    26,607 signatures

27. Introduce a moratorium on the hunting of critically declining wading birds

    Government responded – 20 October 2016

    It is unlikely that hunting has had a significant impact on recent population trends for woodcock, snipe and golden plover; trends are likely to be influenced more by the quality and extent of habitat

    26,043 signatures

28. A change in prime minister should trigger a general election.

    Government responded – 21 July 2016

    As set out in the Cabinet Manual, when a Prime Minister resigns from his position and his MPs have a majority in the Commons, it is for the party or parties in government to identify a successor.

    25,897 signatures

29. Let Parliament decide whether or not we remain a member of the European Union

    Government responded – 11 August 2016

    The British people have voted to leave the EU and their will must be respected. Parliament will clearly have an important role in making sure we find the best way forward.

    25,729 signatures

30. Hold public inquiry into West Ham & LLDC deal for rental of Olympic Stadium

    Government responded – 2 September 2015

    West Ham United has a concession at the Stadium and their contributions reflect that status. The contract, awarded after an open public competition, has been widely scrutinised and tested in court.

    25,528 signatures

31. Allow GCSE English candidates to have blank texts during their exams.

    Government responded – 18 March 2016

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

    25,349 signatures

32. Protect grouse Moors and grouse shooting

    Government responded – 10 October 2016

    Grouse shooting is a legitimate activity that provides economic benefits, jobs and investment in some of our most remote areas and can offer important benefits for wildlife and habitat conservation.

    25,322 signatures

33. Scrap the "rape clause" and the "family cap" on social security payments.

    Government responded – 27 April 2017

    By limiting certain benefits and tax credits to two children, all families now face similar choices about how many children they can afford to support. In certain circumstances, exceptions can apply.

    25,307 signatures

34. Don't ban tackling in school rugby.

    Government responded – 11 March 2016

    The government has no plans to ban tackling in school rugby. We expect schools to be aware of the risks associated with sporting activities, and to provide a safe environment for their pupils.

    24,680 signatures

35. Protection for Sikhs to not have their turbans removed at airports.

    Government responded – 4 July 2016

    The Government recognises that screening of religious and cultural headgear needs to be conducted sensitively and considerately with due respect to the requirements of religious observance.

    24,575 signatures

36. Save Our Homecare. More funding to support people at home & reward careworkers.

    Government responded – 16 November 2015

    The Government is engaging with the adult social care sector to understand the cost pressures on the system. The costs of providing social care are being considered as part of the Spending Review.

    24,540 signatures

37. Keep the small claims track limit for personal injury claims at £1,000.00

    Government responded – 21 December 2015

    The Government is concerned about the number of whiplash claims and the impact on premiums. Therefore we announced new measures to control costs, including raising the small claims limit to £5,000.

    24,398 signatures

38. Abolish road tax on Motorcycles.

    Government responded – 10 February 2016

    The average motorcycle owner pays £54 VED per year whilst the average car owner pays £166. VED rates have been limited to inflation only increases since 2010.

    24,194 signatures

39. Parliament should hold Tony Blair to account for the war in Iraq

    Government responded – 10 August 2016

    The Government recognises the importance, rigour and depth of Sir John Chilcot’s independent Iraq inquiry report, and has made time to debate it.

    24,126 signatures

40. Stop the Illegal Slaughter of Migrating Songbirds on MoD land in Cyprus.

    Government responded – 2 May 2017

    The UK Government is confident the Sovereign Base Areas (SBA) Administration is making considerable efforts to prevent bird trapping in the SBAs.

    24,035 signatures

41. Keep all lead ammunition.

    Government responded – 15 January 2016

    The Government is considering the independent Lead Ammunition Group’s report and will respond as soon as possible. See: www.food.gov.uk/science/advice-to-frequent-eaters-of-game-shot-with-lead.”

    23,942 signatures

42. To introduce a permanent, minimum passing distance when overtaking cyclists.

    Government responded – 9 May 2016

    This Government currently does not have plans to legislate on a set minimum space e.g. 1 metre on roads with a speed limit of up to 30mph when overtaking a cyclist.

    23,834 signatures

43. Change the law on the dangerous dog act 1991 Stop putting healthy dogs down.

    Government responded – 13 September 2016

    The Government considers that the existing general prohibition on dogs bred for fighting, or that share the characteristics of dogs bred for fighting, should be maintained.

    23,749 signatures

44. Work with UK Sport to reinstate GB badminton funding for the next Olympic cycle

    Government responded – 17 January 2017

    Our strategic approach to elite sport is world class and we are committed to keeping up this momentum and supporting our athletes all the way to Tokyo.

    23,740 signatures

45. Provide Orkambi treatment on the NHS for Cystic Fibrosis patients

    Government responded – 12 July 2016

    NICE has not yet issued its final guidance on Orkambi. The Government’s priority is to ensure patients have access to effective treatments on terms that represent value to the NHS and the taxpayer.

    23,686 signatures

46. Ban the making and receiving of all phone calls whilst driving.

    Government responded – 13 October 2016

    The Highway Code (rule149) is clear that drivers must exercise proper control of the vehicle at all times.

    23,557 signatures

47. Legalise Medicinal Cannabis.

    Government responded – 19 January 2016

    Herbal cannabis is listed in Schedule 1 as a drug with no recognised medicinal uses outside research. A substantial body of scientific evidence shows it is harmful and can damage human health.

    23,414 signatures

48. Make rape and sexual consent a mandatory part of sex education.

    Government responded – 12 July 2016

    The government is committed to challenging stereotypes around sexual violence to ensure that people properly understand the importance of consent.

    23,363 signatures

49. Extend the Early Years Foundation Stage from "birth to 5" to "birth to 7"

    Government responded – 17 March 2016

    The primary national curriculum provides a smooth transition from the early years foundation stage, and is designed to ensure pupils continue to develop the knowledge and skills needed to flourish

    23,337 signatures

50. Please help keep Teesside Steelmaking open.

    Government responded – 16 March 2016

    This is a difficult time for Teesside. We are helping those who lost their jobs back into work. And we are ensuring a viable future for the UK steel industry by acting on cheap imports, (contd)

    23,242 signatures

Get this data in JSON or CSV format