Petitions with a Government response

1. Make glue traps illegal within the UK

   Government responded – 21 April 2021

   The Government is aware of concerns around the use of glue traps and we are engaging with key stakeholders on this issue.

   41,190 signatures

2. Revoke rules for refusing or cancelling permission to stay for rough sleepers

   Government responded – 23 February 2021

   The Government is committed to ending rough sleeping. The immigration rule will not be revoked but it will only be used where a person refuses support and engages in anti-social behaviour.

   41,182 signatures

3. Reinstate tax relief allowing mortgage interest to be set against rental income

   Government responded – 17 January 2023

   The Government will continue to set mortgage interest relief against rental income at the basic rate of tax. The Government has a responsibility to make sure the income tax system is fair.

   40,175 signatures

4. Include animal charities in emergency funding due to the coronavirus pandemic.

   Government responded – 15 July 2020

   The animal welfare sector has faced serious challenges during the time that restrictions have been in place to tackle the spread of Covid-19 and the Government is exploring how these can be alleviated

   40,095 signatures

5. Reimburse student rents for all accommodation not used during this academic year

   Government responded – 2 March 2021

   Accommodation providers are autonomous and responsible for setting rent agreements. We urge them to ensure policies are fair and have students’ best interests at heart.

   40,053 signatures

6. Do not require schools to tell parents their child is transgender/non-binary

   Government responded – 17 May 2023

   We are developing guidance to help schools to support pupils questioning their gender and will be consulting on this shortly.

   39,948 signatures

7. Introduce new laws to force offenders to be present in court for sentencing

   Government responded – 18 August 2023

   The Government is carefully considering changing the law so that offenders are required to face up to their actions and victims can see justice being served.

   39,906 signatures

8. Repeal the decision to implement compulsory face coverings in English shops.

   Government responded – 14 August 2020

   People must play their part to reduce the spread of the virus. Wearing a face covering helps this, giving people the confidence to return to shops safely, and better protects those who work in retail.

   39,615 signatures

9. Extend furlough scheme for the UK Aviation sector to help stop redundancies

   Government responded – 24 August 2020

   The government continues to provide comprehensive support to sectors and the economy as a whole to ensure that jobs and livelihoods are protected.

   39,113 signatures

10. End lockdown to prevent further economic damage to the UK’s economy.

    Government responded – 1 December 2020

    The Government has announced the Covid 19 Winter Plan, which sets out how we will continue to support the economy whilst limiting the spread of the virus.

    39,106 signatures

11. Increase statutory maternity pay in line with cost of living crisis

    Government responded – 13 June 2022

    The Government has no plans to increase Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP). The standard rate of SMP is reviewed annually and is generally increased in line with CPI.

    38,606 signatures

12. Remove references to 'gender identity' from relationships education guidance

    Government responded – 31 January 2023

    We are developing transgender guidance for schools to be published later this year. We will consider, in parallel, whether changes need to be made to the RSHE guidance to align with the new guidance.

    38,397 signatures

13. Ban the use of face masks in schools

    Government responded – 28 April 2021

    Following a review of the latest evidence, in line with public health advice, the DfE recommend face coverings continue to be worn in accordance with our guidance, unless an individual is exempt.

    38,080 signatures

14. Maintain sanctions and introduce visa ban on people linked to Iranian regime

    Government responded – 24 October 2022

    Iran’s human rights record is dire. Through our words and actions, the UK will continue to hold Iran to account.

    38,026 signatures

15. Increase the state pension to equal 35 hours a week at the National Living Wage

    Government responded – 21 August 2023

    The Government has no plans to increase the State Pension to equal 35 hours a week at the National Living Wage.

    38,005 signatures

16. Enshrine in law rights to roam and wild camp in national parks

    Government responded – 24 February 2023

    The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 provides the public a right of access to large parts of the English countryside including National Parks. There are no plans to change this.

    37,765 signatures

17. Identify and sanction any Pakistani individuals involved in money laundering

    Government responded – 13 September 2021

    The Government will continue to consider individuals and entities under the Global Anti-Corruption sanctions regime, guided by the purposes of the Regulations to prevent and combat serious corruption.

    37,722 signatures

18. Ensure access to treatment and screening for all cancer patients during Covid-19

    Government responded – 24 November 2020

    The NHS is working to restore cancer services as quickly as possible. Cancer Alliances have been allocated £153m to continue delivering treatment in a Covid safe way.

    37,632 signatures

19. Revoke the right of registered sex offenders to change their name by deed poll

    Government responded – 24 November 2020

    We understand concern about offenders attempting to hide their identity and are working with Courts and Disclosure and Barring Service to close any monitoring gaps to ensure the public is kept safe.

    37,420 signatures

20. Extend statutory bereavement leave to pregnancy loss before 24 weeks

    Government responded – 26 April 2021

    The Government has no plans to extend Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay. We encourage employers to support women who have suffered a miscarriage and respond sensitively to each individual’s needs.

    37,330 signatures

21. Take action to end factory farming and reduce meat and dairy consumption

    Government responded – 17 November 2020

    Adopting best practice across all farming systems is crucial to delivering net zero. Stockmanship and good husbandry, in all sizes and systems of production, are key to ensuring high animal welfare.

    37,254 signatures

22. Do not cut UK higher education Arts Funding

    Government responded – 28 May 2021

    The Government is not cutting 50% of arts funding. We are reallocating some Grant funding – amounting to about 0.05% of affected providers’ estimated total income – towards NHS and STEM subjects.

    37,172 signatures

23. Ensure fair grading for GCSE and A Level students in 2023

    Government responded – 23 May 2023

    Ofqual confirmed this year’s grading approach includes allowance for the impact of disruption, so that a student who would have achieved a particular grade pre-pandemic is just as likely to in 2023.

    37,120 signatures

24. Deport all foreign and dual nationals imprisoned for a year or more

    Government responded – 15 November 2023

    The Home Secretary already has a statutory duty to deport foreign nationals sentenced to at least 12 months’ imprisonment, unless an exception applies. This change is therefore unnecessary.

    37,022 signatures

25. Provide Ukrainian refugees with settled status to enable a stable life in the UK

    Government responded – 20 September 2023

    Our schemes provide Ukrainians with three years’ temporary sanctuary in the UK, until it is safe to return to Ukraine, as we believe it will be. We keep these temporary routes under constant review.

    36,721 signatures

26. Tuition Fee Compensation for International Students in UK Universities

    Government responded – 6 May 2021

    Whether or not an individual student is entitled to a refund of fees will depend on the specific contractual arrangements between the provider and student.

    36,222 signatures

27. Ensure student nurses and midwives are paid for working during Covid-19

    Government responded – 4 February 2021

    Third year nursing students in England can, with university approval, opt into paid placements where offered. All other nursing and midwifery students will continue with planned training.

    36,067 signatures

28. Recognize period underwear as a menstrual product and remove the 20%VAT on them

    Government responded – 24 August 2023

    The Government introduced a VAT zero rate on 1 January 2021, on sanitary products previously subject to a rate of 5 per cent. Period pants are not in this group, but we keep all taxes under review.

    36,025 signatures

29. Make COVID19 testing available to teaching staff caring for pupils.

    Government responded – 26 May 2020

    All symptomatic individuals over 5 across the UK can now receive access to a covid-19 test to confirm whether they currently have the virus.

    35,789 signatures

30. Make it legal to carry non-lethal self defence weapons

    Government responded – 25 March 2021

    The Government is taking determined action to make our streets safer. But sprays containing noxious substances are dangerous and we have no plans to allow people to carry them for self-defence.

    35,612 signatures

31. Fund OPTUNE brain cancer treatment for NHS patients

    Government responded – 30 March 2022

    Guidelines recommend tumour-treating fields, such as OPTUNE, should not be offered for NHS patients. However, the Government recognises the importance of research and new treatments for brain tumours.

    35,574 signatures

32. Stop culling immediately and start widespread vaccination of badgers now

    Government responded – 14 July 2020

    The current intensive badger culling policy will be phased out in the next few years, to be gradually replaced by government-supported badger vaccination and surveillance.

    35,272 signatures

33. Protect all monuments and statues from being taken down

    Government responded – 14 July 2020

    Events have demonstrated how the statues and memorials that adorn public spaces elicit strong feelings. We are satisfied that the system in place recognises those that merit statutory protection.

    35,176 signatures

34. Cancel plans to commission a new Royal Yacht

    Government responded – 17 June 2021

    The Government announced our intention to commission a National Flagship to promote British interests, trade and business. Its role will be distinct from that of any previous vessel.

    35,117 signatures

35. Stop deep-sea mining

    Government responded – 18 July 2023

    Engaging fully with international negotiations is the most effective approach, so that no deep-sea mining takes place in the absence of strong and enforceable environmental regulations and standards.

    35,036 signatures

36. Amend GCSE exam content for children that are now in year 9 and year 10

    Government responded – 17 February 2021

    The department will continue to monitor the impact of the pandemic on all students, including those due to take exams in 2022, to ensure that students in this cohort can achieve a fair grade.

    34,626 signatures

37. Do not implement a second national lockdown or other restrictions this winter

    Government responded – 30 November 2020

    The Government introduced new measures in England on 5 November to protect the NHS and reduce the growth in hospitalisations and deaths. Similar steps were taken in other parts of the UK.

    34,608 signatures

38. Reduce Indefinite leave to remain fees from £2389 to £243 for Health workers

    Government responded – 1 February 2022

    We recognise the significant contribution of overseas NHS workers, but must be fair to all who use the immigration system. Those who directly benefit from the system should contribute to its funding.

    34,392 signatures

39. Increase Carer's Allowance to equal 35hrs at National Minimum Wage

    Government responded – 20 September 2022

    Carer’s Allowance is a benefit that provides some financial recognition that a carer may not be able to work full-time. It is part of a range of support based on individual needs, rather than a wage.

    34,295 signatures

40. Reverse all exam grades back to teacher’s own predictions

    Government responded – 4 September 2020

    Students in England have now received the higher of their centre assessment grade or calculated grade for GCSEs, AS and A levels in 2020.

    33,958 signatures

41. Repeal the Coronavirus Act

    Government responded – 21 September 2021

    It is important that the right tools remain available to manage the ongoing risk from the pandemic whilst ensuring that any restrictions are in place no longer than is absolutely necessary.

    33,821 signatures

42. Make it unlawful for shops to refuse cash payments.

    Government responded – 25 April 2022

    The government does not plan to mandate cash acceptance. Businesses are able to choose the forms of payment they accept. The government’s proposals for legislation support cash acceptance.

    33,499 signatures

43. Protect the title Nurse in UK law

    Government responded – 1 July 2021

    The Department of Health and Social Care is reviewing the protection of titles as part of the ongoing government review of the regulation of healthcare professionals.

    33,486 signatures

44. Create a public register of people banned from keeping animals in the UK

    Government responded – 4 March 2021

    The Police National Computer exists for organisations with a justified need to access this information.

    33,358 signatures

45. Free leaseholders trapped in new build properties by post-Grenfell EWS1 form

    Government responded – 16 September 2020

    We share homeowners’ concerns and do not support the blanket use of EWS1 forms. We encourage lenders to accept other forms of assessment in relation to external walls.

    33,104 signatures

46. Provide funding for STI screening at the beginning of a pregnancy

    Government responded – 17 April 2024

    Currently the NHS offers screening at around 10 weeks’ gestation for three infections that can be sexually transmitted – HIV, syphilis and Hepatitis B.

    33,014 signatures

47. Allow corporate worship and congregational singing at places of worship

    Government responded – 20 November 2020

    Places of worship can remain open for individual prayer but cannot open for communal worship. Congregational singing is not permitted. Regulations will be reviewed before expiring on 2 December.

    32,876 signatures

48. Ban the sale of artificial grass

    Government responded – 8 June 2021

    The Government has no plans to ban the use of artificial grass.

    32,727 signatures

49. Ban the use of dogs for testing and research purposes in the UK

    Government responded – 6 December 2023

    The government does not agree to the proposed ban. Testing would continue in other countries. The UK still requires such data to ensure the safety of medicines before testing in humans.

    32,267 signatures

50. Allow open-air swimming pools, lidos & lakes to open in a new Covid-19 lockdown

    Government responded – 23 November 2020

    Physical activity is crucial for staying active. Due to new national restrictions, all indoor and outdoor sport facilities must close until 2 December. Grassroots sports will return soon as possible.

    31,735 signatures

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