Petitions with a Government response

1. Increase Carers Allowance in line with the Living Wage

   Government responded – 6 February 2017

   We value the support carers give to help disabled people live more independently. Carer’s Allowance was not designed to be a carer’s wage and by 2021/22 spending on it will be nearly £3.5bn a year.

   14,806 signatures

2. Ban the use of plastic microbeads in all cosmetic products sold in the UK.

   Government responded – 11 January 2016

   The UK and neighbouring countries are working with industry to achieve a voluntary phase out of plastic microbeads in cosmetics and other personal care products.

   14,717 signatures

3. Stop UK Government and Departments from labeling "State Pension" as benefits!

   Government responded – 4 March 2016

   The State Pension is described in legislation as a “benefit” in order to root it within the existing social security framework as a statutory scheme paid out of monies in the National Insurance Fund.

   14,681 signatures

4. Allow 16/17 year olds to vote.

   Government responded – 27 April 2017

   The Government has no plans to change the voting age in elections.

   14,656 signatures

5. All teaching staff to learn about the Autistic Spectrum

   Government responded – 10 March 2016

   The Government has commissioned a new initial teacher training framework and is funding three voluntary sector organisations to deliver autism awareness training and advice to education professionals.

   14,637 signatures

6. Abolish the House of Lords if it delays Brexit.

   Government responded – 16 March 2017

   The House of Lords plays an important role in scrutinising and checking legislation and holding the Government to account. We are confident that Article 50 will be triggered by the end of March.

   14,561 signatures

7. The decision to water down the recent European decision on the bass stocks

   Government responded – 19 January 2016

   The petition title misrepresents the EU process. UK Government successfully ensured anglers could fish for sport and the derogation for gillnets excluded driftnets that take most UK netting catches.

   14,560 signatures

8. Save the Police Unit that Protects Wildlife from Human Cruelty

   Government responded – 10 March 2016

   Defra Minister Rory Stewart announced on Tuesday 1 March that the National Wildlife Crime Unit will receive funding for the next four years.

   14,539 signatures

9. Make it easier to remove bullies from schools, at any age and fine the parents

   Government responded – 25 April 2017

   Government continues to make tackling bullying a priority and has sent a clear message to schools that bullying, for whatever reason, is absolutely unacceptable and should not be tolerated.

   14,532 signatures

10. Allow British families to stay together by removing minimum income requirements.

    Government responded – 24 November 2015

    The minimum income threshold under the family Immigration Rules aims to prevent family migrants from becoming a burden on the taxpayer and promote their integration.

    14,457 signatures

11. Call an emergency parliament session to properly discuss NHS Reinstatement Bill.

    Government responded – 24 March 2016

    Private Members' Bills (PMBs) are debated on 13 sitting Fridays in each session and it is for the member in charge of the Bill to nominate the date for Second Reading and manage the Bill’s progress.

    14,434 signatures

12. All UK residents to be placed on the Organ Donor Register.

    Government responded – 13 October 2016

    We have no plans to introduce an opt out system in England. Since 2007/08 organ donation rates have increased by 68% and transplant rates by 47% giving many more people the opportunity of a transplant

    14,345 signatures

13. Give immunity against prosecution to armed forces personel who served in NI.

    Government responded – 24 February 2017

    The Government is unstinting in its admiration for the Armed Forces whose sacrifices ensured terrorism would never succeed. There is no amnesty for terrorists and criminality should be investigated.

    14,329 signatures

14. Abolish the TV licence

    Government responded – 29 December 2015

    Government asked about BBC funding in the Charter Review consultation, which received more than 190,000 responses. Proposals for the BBC’s future will be published next year.

    14,288 signatures

15. Don't close Poole Hospital's A&E or Bournemouth Hospital's A&E!

    Government responded – 25 May 2016

    This is a matter for the local NHS. Dorset CCG has stated that they are seeking to secure high quality, sustainable health services that meet the needs of the local population.

    14,270 signatures

16. Make passing / approaching horses and horse drawn vehicles part of driving test

    Government responded – 14 March 2016

    Safe driving around horseriders forms part of the driving theory test. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency intends to work with the British Horse Society as it develops the test in the future.

    14,188 signatures

17. Recognise Both Crohns Disease & Ulcerative Colitis As A Disability

    Government responded – 30 November 2015

    We are fully committed to enabling disabled people to have the same opportunities and choices as non-disabled, and we will continue to provide them with financial support and help to return to work.

    14,183 signatures

18. Change the law, so that UK citizens can force an immediate General Election.

    Government responded – 24 March 2016

    Majority governments are far from untouchable. An early election may be called if a motion of no confidence is passed in the House of Commons and no motion of confidence is passed within 14 days.

    14,178 signatures

19. End the contracts with Atos, Capita and maximus as they are not fit for purpose.

    Government responded – 13 September 2016

    We are committed to ensuring claimants receive high quality, objective, fair and accurate assessments and closely monitor all aspects of the process including the performance of Assessment Providers.

    14,094 signatures

20. Stop councils using surface/gravel dressing to maintain roads

    Government responded – 12 August 2016

    This Government takes the issue of road safety and the condition of the local road network very seriously.

    13,947 signatures

21. Delay triggering Article 50 until after voters vote on the UK EU Exit Package.

    Government responded – 14 February 2017

    The people voted to leave the EU in a referendum and we will respect that decision. Under the EU treaties, the negotiations with the EU can only begin after Article 50 is triggered.

    13,942 signatures

22. Extreme vetting of immigrants and visitors to the UK

    Government responded – 21 February 2017

    Foreign nationals intending to come to the UK are expected to abide by our laws. Those not prepared to do so should not expect to be allowed entry to the UK.

    13,914 signatures

23. Remove the franchise for Southern Rail from Govia Thameslink.

    Government responded – 6 July 2016

    Govia Thameslink Railway are delivering plans to reverse decades of under-investment on the rail network. Removing the franchise from GTR will not address the challenges on this part of the network.

    13,787 signatures

24. Test on Request-GP's to listen to girls & if they have symptoms to do the smear

    Government responded – 9 May 2016

    We are committed to tackling cervical cancer through vaccination, screening, and GPs assessing women of any age who present with symptoms and referring them, in line with clinical guidelines.

    13,732 signatures

25. CCTV in ALL dementia care facilities by LAW.

    Government responded – 18 January 2017

    The Government does not object to the use of CCTV cameras in care homes on a case by case basis. Care home owners should consult with and seek the consent of residents and their families on their use.

    13,701 signatures

26. UK must apologise for the Balfour Declaration & lead peace efforts in Palestine

    Government responded – 21 April 2017

    The Balfour Declaration is an historic statement for which HMG does not intend to apologise. We are proud of our role in creating the State of Israel. The task now is to encourage moves towards peace.

    13,637 signatures

27. Fast track naturalisation for EU citizens resident in the UK longer than 5 years

    Government responded – 28 December 2016

    The Government wants to protect the status of EU citizens in the UK, subject to reciprocal protection for British citizens living in other EU countries.

    13,626 signatures

28. Re-nationalise the British Steel industry to safeguard it from further losses.

    Government responded – 8 April 2016

    Global economic conditions mean this is a very difficult time for the steel industry and the workforce and communities affected. Government is doing all it can to ensure UK steel has a viable future.

    13,456 signatures

29. Fund Research into Ehlers Danlos Syndrome

    Government responded – 14 March 2017

    The Government recognises the need to support research into rare diseases including Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and is committed to the implementation of the UK Strategy for Rare Diseases.

    13,390 signatures

30. Give parish councils the right to appeal planning decisions.

    Government responded – 18 April 2016

    The Government places great importance on community involvement in the planning system. Parish councils have statutory rights to contribute their views in the planning process.

    13,378 signatures

31. Exempt Non-EU NHS professionals from £35,000 salary threshold

    Government responded – 21 April 2017

    Access to staff by our hospitals and care homes is a Government priority. All nurses currently sponsored in Tier 2 will be exempt from the £35,000 threshold when they apply for settlement.

    13,346 signatures

32. Vote on an early General Election before sending Article 50

    Government responded – 27 October 2016

    In legislating for the EU Referendum, the Government and Parliament asked the people to decide whether to remain in or leave the EU. The people have spoken and the Government must deliver the result.

    13,345 signatures

33. Make dyslexia, dyspraxia and dyscalculia testing free on the NHS.

    Government responded – 20 December 2016

    Schools are required to identify the special educational needs of children including arranging for necessary tests. Conditions such as dyslexia may be diagnosed by clinical professionals.

    13,315 signatures

34. Revoke the BBC's charter

    Government responded – 2 February 2017

    The new 11-year Charter establishes Ofcom as regulator of the BBC. This will include considering any complaints concerning impartiality and accuracy in BBC’s news and current affairs content.

    13,285 signatures

35. To examine the DWP, ATOS & Maximus's culpability for deaths of benefit claimants

    Government responded – 31 May 2016

    The assertion behind this e-petition is wrong. It is untrue to say there has been a marked increase recently in the number of deaths and suicides of claimants found to be fit for work following a WCA.

    13,256 signatures

36. Pass law to force employers to pay on time for freelance/contractual work.

    Government responded – 6 January 2017

    A party acting in the course of a business can claim interest and reasonable recovery costs if another business is late paying for goods or a service.

    13,250 signatures

37. End the cuts to Merseyside Police

    Government responded – 6 November 2015

    No decisions have been taken on police funding beyond 2015/16. Future funding levels will be subject to the outcome of the Spending Review which will report on 25 November.

    13,233 signatures

38. Stop the proposed downgrading of Southend Hospital A&E Department.

    Government responded – 28 April 2017

    To ensure sustainability, the local NHS is reviewing services across the Basildon, Southend and Chelmsford sites, including urgent and emergency care. There will be a full public consultation.

    13,206 signatures

39. the Iraq Historic Allegations Team must be stopped as it is a national scandal.

    Government responded – 4 February 2016

    British Forces operate under the rule of law, and that means that credible allegations of criminal offences must be investigated. We will do everything possible to counter false or trivial allegations

    13,194 signatures

40. Give Head Teachers the authority to agree up to 10 days of term-time holiday

    Government responded – 14 February 2017

    As they know their pupils best, head teachers continue to retain the discretion to grant leave but, in maintained schools they may do so only in exceptional circumstances.

    13,189 signatures

41. Save West Cumberland Hospital

    Government responded – 21 October 2016

    The Government appreciates that there is local concern about the future of services at West Cumberland Hospital. This is a matter for local determination, following consultation.

    13,179 signatures

42. Don't allow prescriptions to stop for dairy free milk in the UK.

    Government responded – 20 February 2017

    It is for Clinical Commissioning Groups, through their local prescribing policies, to decide what to limit on prescription.

    13,152 signatures

43. Make Nusinersen available to terminally ill children with Spinal MuscularAtrophy

    Government responded – 14 July 2016

    Nusinersen is in clinical trials for Spinal Muscular Atrophy and not yet marketed in the UK. Our priority is to ensure patients can access safe, effective treatments on terms that represent value.

    13,136 signatures

44. Make Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (Prep) immediately available on the NHS

    Government responded – 25 April 2016

    NHS England have agreed to carefully consider their position on commissioning Pre-exposure Prophylaxis. The Government is investing £2.4m in HIV prevention nationally.

    13,104 signatures

45. Reinstate RPI index linking to Military pensions from the current CPI index link

    Government responded – 27 May 2016

    On 22 June 2010, the Chancellor announced that for 2011, public service pensions would increase in line with the CPI rather than the RPI.

    13,042 signatures

46. The repeal of the code on farming chickens for meat + farming should be debated

    Government responded – 14 April 2016

    The Government intends to retain the statutory codes.

    13,042 signatures

47. Free Commando Sergeant Alexander Blackman from jail

    Government responded – 12 January 2017

    Sergeant Alexander Blackman’s case is the subject of an appeal and it would not be appropriate to comment on this specific issue while this legal process is on-going.

    13,015 signatures

48. Refuse asylum seekers & remove support for so called refugee migrants in the UK

    Government responded – 30 November 2015

    The UK has a proud tradition of providing protection to those who genuinely need it. However, we are tough on those who abuse the system and make spurious claims.

    13,010 signatures

49. Make labelling food as vegetarian and/or vegan as legal requirement

    Government responded – 15 June 2016

    Legislation is in place to provide accurate food information and to protect consumers from misleading and confusing labelling.

    12,966 signatures

50. Stop benefits to more than one wife in the UK

    Government responded – 3 February 2016

    Marriages which take place in the United Kingdom must be monogamous. Polygamous marriages which take place abroad may be recognised but will make a household no better off under the benefit system.

    12,958 signatures

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