{"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions.json?page=13&state=with_response","first":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions.json?state=with_response","last":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions.json?page=14&state=with_response","next":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions.json?page=14&state=with_response","prev":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions.json?page=12&state=with_response"},"data":[{"type":"petition","id":700776,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/700776.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Create path to Settlement for Ukrainians in the UK","background":"We urge the UK government to provide a path to settlement for Ukrainians living in the UK. These individuals face significant uncertainty about their future. We think allowing them to settle would provide the stability needed to rebuild their lives and contribute to British society.","additional_details":"We believe Ukrainians in the UK have become valuable members of our communities, and a pathway to settlement would affirm our commitment to supporting those impacted by conflict. We kindly ask for your consideration of this matter.","committee_note":"","state":"closed","signature_count":35948,"created_at":"2024-11-04T21:01:36.778Z","updated_at":"2025-07-15T23:00:00.749Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2025-01-15T09:41:16.722Z","closed_at":"2025-07-15T22:59:59.999Z","moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2024-11-07T18:34:30.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2025-01-17T13:58:00.000Z","government_response_at":"2025-02-24T09:07:59.463Z","debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":null,"rejection":null,"government_response":{"responded_on":"2025-02-24","summary":"We recognise the Ukrainian government’s desire for the return of their citizens to help rebuild Ukraine when it is safe to do so. This is why the temporary Ukraine schemes do not lead to settlement.","details":"The UK’s support for Ukraine remains steadfast and, together with our partners and allies, we stand in solidarity with Ukraine and condemn the Russian government’s unprovoked and premeditated war. The Government strongly believes Ukraine will be safe again and we will continue to support the Ukrainian government for as long as it is necessary in its efforts against Putin.\n\nWe are proud that the British people have shown incredible generosity to, and solidarity with, the Ukrainian people, opening their homes to those seeking sanctuary.  To date, the UK has offered or extended sanctuary to over 300,000 Ukrainians and their families under one of the three Ukraine schemes - the Ukraine Family Scheme, the Homes for Ukraine Scheme, and the Ukraine Extension Scheme. \n\nAs of 17 December 2024, 267,200 visas have been issued with 218,600 (as of 16 December 2024) Ukrainians having arrived in the UK. A further 34,000 (17 December 2024) applicants have also been granted permission to remain extensions, meaning more than 252,000 Ukrainians have found sanctuary in the UK thanks to the generous Ukraine schemes.\n\nTo provide future certainty, Ukrainians who are in the UK under the Ukraine schemes will be able to apply for further permission to remain in the UK through a bespoke Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme. The new route, which opened on 4 February 2025 before the first visas started to expire, will provide up to an additional 18 months’ permission, ensuring Ukrainians in the UK can continue to move into independent living and secure rental agreements and employment contracts.\n\nUPE is free to apply for. Individuals will be able to apply to UPE within 28 days of their current Ukraine scheme’s permission expiring. Those granted permission under the scheme will continue to receive the same rights and entitlements as the existing Ukraine schemes provide, to access work, benefits, healthcare, and education. More information on the scheme, including details around eligibility requirements and the application process, can be found on GOV.UK at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-to-stay-in-the-uk-under-the-ukraine-extension-scheme.\n\nThe Homes for Ukraine Scheme will also remain available and free of charge for any Ukrainians who wish to make a new application to come to the UK. Applications must be sponsored by someone who is British, Irish or settled in the UK.  There are organisations which support matching individuals coming from Ukraine with sponsors in the UK: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/find-a-sponsor-using-recognised-providers-homes-for-ukraine.  \n\nOur offer of sanctuary through the Ukraine schemes remains temporary in nature and does not lead to settlement in the UK. This recognises the Ukrainian government’s strong desire for the future return of its citizens to help rebuild Ukraine when it is safe to do so. It is important our approach respects these wishes.\n   \nWe will, of course, continue to keep the Ukraine schemes under consistent review in line with developments in the ongoing war.\n\nHome Office","created_at":"2025-02-24T09:07:59.460Z","updated_at":"2025-02-24T09:07:59.460Z"},"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"HO","name":"Home Office","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/home-office"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":702844,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/702844.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Raise the income tax personal allowance from £12,570 to £20,000 ","background":"Raise the income tax personal allowance from £12570 to £20000. We think this would help low earners to get off benefits and allow pensioners a decent income.","additional_details":"We think it is abhorrent to tax pensioners on their state pension when it is over the personal allowance. We also think raising the personal allowance would lift many low earners out of benefits and inject more cash into the economy creating growth.","committee_note":"","state":"closed","signature_count":281794,"created_at":"2024-11-24T12:27:44.090Z","updated_at":"2025-12-23T15:37:17.809Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2024-12-20T12:09:49.385Z","closed_at":"2025-06-20T22:59:59.999Z","moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2024-11-24T20:32:00.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2025-02-05T15:20:40.000Z","government_response_at":"2025-02-20T15:47:44.075Z","debate_threshold_reached_at":"2025-02-10T22:48:40.000Z","debate_scheduled_on":"2025-03-21","scheduled_debate_date":"2025-05-12","debate_outcome_at":"2025-05-16T13:29:04.152Z","creator_name":null,"rejection":null,"government_response":{"responded_on":"2025-02-20","summary":"The Government is committed to keeping taxes for working people as low as possible while ensuring fiscal responsibility.","details":"The Government is committed to keeping taxes for working people as low as possible while ensuring fiscal responsibility and so, at our first Budget, we decided not to extend the freeze on personal tax thresholds.\n\nThe Government has no plans to increase the Personal Allowance to £20,000. Increasing the Personal Allowance to £20,000 would come at a significant fiscal cost of many billions of pounds per annum. This would reduce tax receipts substantially, decreasing funds available for the UK’s hospitals, schools, and other essential public services that we all rely on. It would also undermine the work the Chancellor has done to restore fiscal responsibility and economic stability, which are critical to getting our economy growing and keeping taxes, inflation, and mortgages as low as possible.\n\nThe Government keeps all taxes under review as part of the policy making process. The Chancellor will announce any changes to the tax system at fiscal events in the usual way.   \n\nHM Treasury","created_at":"2025-02-20T15:47:44.067Z","updated_at":"2025-02-20T15:47:44.067Z"},"debate":{"debated_on":"2025-05-12","transcript_url":"https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2025-05-12/debates/EEB4E70E-87F1-450E-8CA7-1C38E316913F/IncomeTaxPersonalAllowance","video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEI8WbYRHCw","debate_pack_url":"https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CBP-10237/CBP-10237.pdf","public_engagement_url":"","debate_summary_url":"","overview":""},"departments":[{"acronym":"HMT","name":"HM Treasury","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-treasury"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":705287,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/705287.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Require labelling of beef & dairy from cows fed with additives to reduce methane","background":"We believe that all beef and dairy products from cows whose feed contains additives used for reducing methane emissions, should be labelled to state that this is the case, so the public can decide whether to consume or not, instead of consuming unknowingly. We believe it should be our choice.","additional_details":"This includes all eateries offering beef & dairy, we believe they should state on their menu if the products contain such additives. We think that we the people should have the right to choose what we consume, not anyone else. We are concerned there could be a risk of adverse effects, just like with many products. We think there is no harm in having beef & dairy labelled. Transparency is fair.","committee_note":"","state":"closed","signature_count":38036,"created_at":"2024-11-27T08:24:30.724Z","updated_at":"2026-04-27T10:00:26.184Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2025-01-07T13:29:43.252Z","closed_at":"2025-07-07T22:59:59.999Z","moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2024-11-27T09:37:00.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2025-01-07T23:09:30.000Z","government_response_at":"2025-02-19T14:21:07.337Z","debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":null,"rejection":null,"government_response":{"responded_on":"2025-02-19","summary":"There are currently no rules requiring meat or dairy products to be labelled with details of animal feed, and the Government has no plans to introduce any.","details":"Thank you for your petition requesting labelling on beef and dairy products from cows fed with additives to reduce methane.\n\nFeed additives have no effect on milk and help tackle climate change. This in turn means that the likelihood of extreme weather events, such as floods or extreme heat or fires, is lessened.\n\nDefra considers that methane suppressing feed products are an essential tool to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the agricultural sector. We are committed to working with industry to stimulate the market and encourage uptake of these products. Methane suppressing feed products (MSFPs) are an innovative group of products which reduce methane emissions from ruminants. They can be natural e.g. seaweed derivatives or synthetic e.g., calcium nitrates, 3-nitrooxypropanol – or 3NOP.\n\nAll authorised feed additives have undergone the Food Standard Agency's (FSA) and Food Standard Scotland’s (FSS) rigorous safety assessment. This assessment is part of the regulated products authorisation risk analysis process (https://www.food.gov.uk/sites/default/files/media/document/fsa-risk-analysis-flowchart.pdf) which ensures products are safe and appropriate for the UK market. This process ensures that dairy produce from animals fed MSFPs is safe to consume. \n\nAt present there is one FSA approved methane-suppressing feed additive on the UK market. 3NOP/Bovaer is the only high efficacy feed additive (delivering about 30% methane reduction) to have received FSA approval for use in lactating ruminants and ruminants for reproduction. Fed in accordance with manufacturer instructions, 3-NOP/Bovaer is fully metabolized by the cow and was not detected in milk in studies considered by the FSA and FSS.\n\nThere are currently no rules requiring meat or dairy products to be labelled with details of animal feed and there are no plans to introduce any. Businesses are able voluntarily to differentiate their brand by providing details of production methods, but mandatory labelling could result in significant costs being passed on to the consumer. \n\nDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs","created_at":"2025-02-19T14:21:07.335Z","updated_at":"2025-02-19T14:21:07.335Z"},"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"DEFRA","name":"Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":706302,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/706302.json"},"attributes":{"action":"End the use of cages and crates for all farmed animals","background":"We think the UK Government must ban all cages for laying hens as soon as possible.\r\n\r\nWe think it should also ban the use of all cage and crates for all farmed animals including:\r\n• farrowing crates for sows\r\n• individual calf pens\r\n• cages for other birds, including partridges, pheasants and quail","additional_details":"Every year in the UK, millions of farmed animals experience huge suffering confined in cages. From millions of laying hens unable to express their natural behaviours to mother pigs nursing their piglets confined in narrow crates, to calves, quail and game birds.","committee_note":"","state":"closed","signature_count":108277,"created_at":"2024-11-29T09:07:55.158Z","updated_at":"2026-02-18T10:24:31.362Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2025-01-24T11:23:12.221Z","closed_at":"2025-07-24T22:59:59.999Z","moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2024-11-29T13:23:40.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2025-01-24T15:42:00.000Z","government_response_at":"2025-02-19T14:01:14.825Z","debate_threshold_reached_at":"2025-04-22T16:05:40.000Z","debate_scheduled_on":"2025-05-23","scheduled_debate_date":"2025-06-16","debate_outcome_at":"2025-06-17T14:25:14.913Z","creator_name":null,"rejection":null,"government_response":{"responded_on":"2025-02-17","summary":"This Government was elected on a mandate to introduce the most ambitious plans to improve animal welfare in a generation. The use of cages and crates is an issue we are now considering very carefully.","details":"The Government is aware of the strong public feeling on keeping farm animals in cages and the recent campaigns urging the Government to publish consultations on phasing out the use of enriched ‘colony’ cages for laying hens and farrowing crates for pigs. The use of cages and other close confinement systems for farmed animals is an issue we are currently considering very carefully. \n\nFor laying hens, we are encouraged that the sector is moving away from the use of enriched ‘colony’ cages to free-range and barn production. The transition to cage free systems is being supported by this Government through grants for laying hen and pullet farmers in England with flocks of 1,000 birds or more, to refurbish or replace existing housing including those looking to make the transition from colony cages to high-welfare non-cage systems.\n\nThis transition has also been supported by the major supermarkets - who have pledged to stop selling shell eggs from hens kept in colony cages by the end of 2025 - with some retailers also extending their 2025 pledge to processed egg, such as powdered or liquid. This shift by retailers has accelerated the move away from colony cage systems. Eggs produced from hens in colony cage systems accounted for just over 44% of the total egg throughput in the UK in 2018, but by the end of 2024, this had reduced to 20%. Free-range eggs now account for 69% of the total egg throughput in the UK. \n\nWe already have a significant outdoor pig sector: 50% of the national sow breeding herd give birth freely on outdoor units, with no option for confinement. The statutory Welfare Code of Practice for Pigs states that the aim is for farrowing crates to no longer be necessary and for any new system to protect the welfare of the sow, as well as her piglets - (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pigs-on-farm-welfare).  \n\nAs with cages for laying hens, ending the use of farrowing crates is an issue that not only affects the UK industry, but is also something that our European trading partners are also considering and, as with any change to our farming systems, we need to carefully consider the implications for trade. When considering changes to welfare standards at home, it is crucial that we consider the potential for simply moving low-welfare production overseas. Replacing a UK egg with an imported caged egg would be bad for the consumer, bad for producers, and bad for animal welfare.\n\nThe Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) Regulations 2007, Schedule 6, Paragraph 1, sets down requirements that apply to the accommodation of calves confined for rearing and fattening. It states that: “No calf may be confined in an individual stall or pen after the age of eight weeks unless a veterinary surgeon certifies that its health or behaviour requires it to be isolated in order to receive treatment”. In addition, the regulation requires the hutches to be of a specified size and individual stalls or pens (except for those isolating sick animals) must have perforated walls which allow calves to have direct visual and tactile contact with other calves. \n\nWe are pleased that the industry has already been moving towards pair housing of young calves and some farm assurance schemes require calves to be housed in groups or pairs from less than 8 weeks of age.\n\nDefra’s Code of Practice for the Welfare of Gamebirds Reared for Sporting Purposes provides keepers with guidance on how to meet the welfare needs of their gamebirds as required by the Animal Welfare Act 2006 - (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/code-of-practice-for-the-welfare-of-gamebirds-reared-for-sporting-purposes). It recommends that barren cages for breeding pheasants and small barren cages for breeding partridges should not be used, and that any system should be appropriately enriched.  \n\nThe UK is rightly proud of the high animal welfare standards that underpin our high-quality British produce, and we will work to ensure we address low confidence and provide stability for the farming sector, while delivering high standards of farm animal welfare. \n\nDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs","created_at":"2025-02-19T14:01:14.820Z","updated_at":"2025-02-19T14:06:16.895Z"},"debate":{"debated_on":"2025-06-16","transcript_url":"https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2025-06-16/debates/6FFB5159-BC54-4321-BDC5-CB64FF9BF2E2/FarmedAnimalsCagesAndCrates","video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q29dXKFMozo","debate_pack_url":"https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cdp-2025-0121/","public_engagement_url":"","debate_summary_url":"","overview":""},"departments":[{"acronym":"DEFRA","name":"Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":702712,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/702712.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Review decision to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius","background":"The United Kingdom has agreed for Mauritius to have sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago. I think this is strategically dangerous, and should be reviewed.","additional_details":"","committee_note":"","state":"closed","signature_count":17647,"created_at":"2024-11-24T05:17:15.586Z","updated_at":"2026-04-27T10:00:26.174Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2024-12-30T10:05:26.218Z","closed_at":"2025-06-30T22:59:59.999Z","moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2024-11-25T01:38:10.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2025-02-04T19:51:30.000Z","government_response_at":"2025-02-13T08:48:38.902Z","debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":null,"rejection":null,"government_response":{"responded_on":"2025-02-13","summary":"We achieved our primary objective in negotiations with Mauritius: to protect the future of the UK-US military base on Diego Garcia. The treaty will be put before Parliament for scrutiny and debate.","details":"The previous government started negotiations in November 2022 with the government of Mauritius regarding sovereignty over Diego Garcia and the long-term use of the US base. \n\nOn the basis of both legal advice and national security considerations, this Government continued those negotiations in order to secure the long-term future of the military base.  On 3 October last year, the Government announced that that we had a reached agreement with Mauritius. The agreement will allow the base to continue its operations for 99 years, with a first refusal option to extend that time period. The UK will retain control over Diego Garcia, with full capability to restrict adversaries. \n\nThe Government is confident that the agreement reached will protect UK security, secure the future of the US base on Diego Garcia and cement long-term UK and US presence in the Indo-Pacific for generations to come.  When the details of the agreement have been finalised, the treaty will be presented to Parliament for scrutiny and debate.\n\nForeign, Commonwealth and Development Office","created_at":"2025-02-13T08:48:38.899Z","updated_at":"2025-02-13T08:48:38.899Z"},"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"FCDO","name":"Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-office"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":702845,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/702845.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Extend free bus travel for people over 60 in England","background":"We call on the Government to extend free bus travel to all people over 60 years old in England outside London. We believe the current situation is unjust and we want equality for everyone over 60. ","additional_details":"Currently, people in England who do not live in London are not entitled to free bus travel until they reach the state pension age, which we believe has changed dramatically. As people get older some over 60s drive less and less, therefore we believe we need equality on public transport. It would mean England had the same provision as Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.","committee_note":"","state":"closed","signature_count":101204,"created_at":"2024-11-24T12:27:59.770Z","updated_at":"2026-03-26T16:33:35.784Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2024-12-27T11:26:30.209Z","closed_at":"2025-06-27T22:59:59.999Z","moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2024-11-25T06:06:20.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2025-02-05T05:30:20.000Z","government_response_at":"2025-02-12T13:23:22.210Z","debate_threshold_reached_at":"2025-06-26T15:26:00.000Z","debate_scheduled_on":"2025-12-04","scheduled_debate_date":"2026-01-05","debate_outcome_at":"2026-01-06T10:11:15.488Z","creator_name":null,"rejection":null,"government_response":{"responded_on":"2025-02-12","summary":"The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme costs around £700 million annually. Any changes to the statutory scheme must be carefully considered for their impact on its financial sustainability. ","details":"The government wants everyone to have access to public transport and is committed to improving services. We also recognise the importance of the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) in supporting local bus travel, assisting with access to essential local services and helping those who use it to stay active and avoid isolation.\n\nThe ENCTS provides free off-peak bus travel to those with eligible disabilities and those of state pension age, currently sixty-six. The ENCTS costs around £700 million annually and any changes to the statutory obligations, such as lowering the age of eligibility, would therefore need to be carefully considered for its impact on the scheme’s financial sustainability.   \n\nLocal authorities in England do have the power to offer concessions in addition to their statutory obligations, for example, by extending the age of eligibility for the older persons’ bus pass. These are additional local concessions provided and funded by local authorities from local resources, depending on the needs and priorities of each area.\n\nAt the Budget on 30 October, the government confirmed a £1 billion boost for buses, of which £712 million has been allocated to local authorities to support and improve bus services. Funding allocated to local authorities to improve services for passengers can be used in whichever way they wish. This could include extending the discretionary concessions available in the local area.\n\nConcessionary travel is a devolved policy area and as such, the eligibility age for the bus pass differs between the devolved nations of the United Kingdom. This means, in effect, that there are different schemes in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so the administrative arrangements are entirely separate.\n\nDepartment for Transport","created_at":"2025-02-12T13:23:22.208Z","updated_at":"2025-02-12T13:23:22.208Z"},"debate":{"debated_on":"2026-01-05","transcript_url":"https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2026-01-05/debates/B84513B0-9668-4082-B440-DCFB18F22112/FreeBusTravelOver-60S","video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/live/id1c1yZlOMY","debate_pack_url":"","public_engagement_url":"","debate_summary_url":"","overview":""},"departments":[{"acronym":"DfT","name":"Department for Transport","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-transport"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":703861,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/703861.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Do not stop transgender people from receiving care in mainstream hospital wards","background":"The previous government proposed changes to the NHS constitution which would mean transgender hospital patients in England may not be treated in female- and male-only wards. We believe that this segregation is discriminatory, dangerous, and violates the Equality Act 2010 and it must not go ahead.","additional_details":"We believe this would be in direct opposition to the Equality Act of 2010, particularly Part 3 - Services and Public Functions. Transgender people require healthcare like anyone else, and many live with limited access to that healthcare as it is. We believe this must not proceed.","committee_note":"","state":"closed","signature_count":26750,"created_at":"2024-11-25T12:43:06.585Z","updated_at":"2025-07-09T23:00:02.524Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2025-01-09T16:16:43.566Z","closed_at":"2025-07-09T22:59:59.999Z","moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2024-11-25T14:00:50.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2025-01-19T17:23:30.000Z","government_response_at":"2025-02-11T12:04:45.497Z","debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":null,"rejection":null,"government_response":{"responded_on":"2025-02-11","summary":"Following the General Election last year, the Government is considering next steps for the 10-year review of the NHS Constitution. An update to Parliament will be made in due course.","details":"The Government is clear that all patients, including transgender patients, deserve to be treated with compassion, dignity and respect when in the receipt of NHS services. The NHS provides a comprehensive service available to all and will continue to treat all transgender patients in need of care. \n\nIn 2024, the previous government consulted on a series of proposed updates to the NHS Constitution as part of its statutory requirement to complete a review every 10 years. This included a proposal to update the existing pledge on sleeping accommodation.  \n\nWe appreciate the time and care spent by everyone who contributed to the consultation at the time. Following the General Election in 2024, the Government is considering next steps and will provide an update shortly. \n\nWith respect to NHS care, apart from in a few exceptional circumstances, patients should not have to share sleeping accommodation with others of the opposite sex and should have access to segregated bathroom and toilet facilities. Exceptions to this are mainly confined to patients who need highly specialised care, such as that delivered in critical care units, or where it is clearly in the patient’s best interest to receive rapid treatment, and same-sex accommodation is not the immediate priority. We expect NHS trusts to comply with these measures, as well as wider expectations to deliver health services in accordance with the Equality Act 2010, having appropriate regard to protected characteristics as defined in the Act where relevant. \n\nNHS England’s policy for delivering same-sex accommodation is set out in the 2019 guidance ‘Delivering same-sex accommodation’: https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/05/NEW-Delivering_same_sex_accommodation_sep2019.pdf. This includes guidance about placing trans patients on hospital wards.\n\nThis guidance is currently under review by NHS England to ensure it fairly balances the needs of all patients and will be published in due course.\n\nIn the meantime, we are gathering the views, experiences and ideas of the public and health and care staff as part of the biggest national conversation about the NHS in its 76-year history. This will help to shape the 10 Year Health Plan to build a service fit for the future. This includes exploring options for reforming the NHS so that it is inclusive, fair, and meets the needs of all staff and patients. \n\nIf you have anything you would like to share about the future of the NHS, please share your views on the NHS Change website: Project: Your ideas for change | Change NHS (https://change.nhs.uk/en-GB/projects/your-ideas-for-change). \n\nDepartment of Health and Social Care","created_at":"2025-02-11T12:04:45.494Z","updated_at":"2025-02-11T12:04:45.494Z"},"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"DHSC","name":"Department of Health and Social Care","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-of-health-and-social-care"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":700262,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/700262.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Ban animal testing for human products and medicines","background":"We demand that the Government bans the use of animal testing/experiments for human medicines and products. This means that animal testing could not be used for new drugs, and other scientific methods would need to be used. We believe modern science can replace animal experiments.","additional_details":"Stop killing animals in the name of science. Why test human drugs on rats and dogs? We believe the public is scandalised by the welfare of research animals. Compel all research to be species-specific, evidence based and using modern science. Use modern scientific methods for 100% of the pre-clinical and clinical trial process.","committee_note":"","state":"closed","signature_count":16302,"created_at":"2024-11-01T09:13:56.546Z","updated_at":"2025-11-03T10:55:22.195Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2024-11-19T11:12:24.130Z","closed_at":"2025-05-19T22:59:59.999Z","moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2024-11-01T09:47:30.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2025-01-29T11:44:50.000Z","government_response_at":"2025-02-11T08:37:19.219Z","debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":null,"rejection":null,"government_response":{"responded_on":"2025-02-10","summary":"The government does not agree to the proposed ban. The UK still requires data from animal testing to ensure the safety of medicines and products before testing in humans.","details":"While the use of animals in science, including for human medicines, generates significant debate, the carefully regulated use of animals in scientific research currently remains necessary to protect humans and the wider environment. The Government therefore does not agree to ban the use of animal testing/experiments for human medicines and products.\n\nThe manifesto committed the Government to partner with scientists, industry, and civil society as we work towards the phasing out of animal testing. This is a long-term goal, and it will need further scientific and technical advancement and validation to reach this point. The use of animals still remains important for understanding how biological systems work, in the development of safe new medicines, treatments and technologies, and in testing chemicals. It protects humans and animals from harm and supports the safety and sustainability of our environment.\n\nIn line with our commitment to supporting the uptake and development of alternative methods to the use of animals in science, the Government actively supports and funds the development and dissemination of techniques that replace, reduce and refine the use of animals in research (the 3Rs). We also work to ensure that the UK continues to have a robust regulatory system for licensing animal studies and enforcing legal standards.\n\nThe Government will take steps to place the UK at the forefront of an alternative methods revolution and we believe that advances in a number of areas make the prospects for change much better than they have ever been. We are supporting and accelerating advances in biomedical science and technologies to reduce reliance on the use of animals in research and importantly to avoid some of the scientific limitations of animal models of human diseases. This includes stem cell research, cell culture systems that mimic the function of human organs, imaging and new computer modelling and AI techniques based on very large data sets. DSIT, Home Office and DEFRA ministers have agreed to publish an alternative methods strategy to support the development, validation and uptake of alternative methods and the phasing out of animal testing. We expect to publish this strategy later this year.\n\nAlthough much research can be done without using animals, there are still purposes where use of live animals is essential, as the complexity of whole biological systems  cannot be reliably replicated using validated alternative methodologies. Animal testing is therefore required by all global medicines regulators, including the UK’s Medicine and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), to protect human health and safety. We are working with regulators to see how advances in technology can and will reduce use and phase out use in some areas.\n\nThe UK has the highest welfare score in the G7 according to the world Animal Protection Index and some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world and the use of animals in science is highly regulated. All establishments are required to have dedicated individuals, including veterinary surgeons with legal responsibilities for the care and welfare of animals, and an ethical review body, which reviews any proposals for the use of animals and promotes the 3Rs of animal use. The UK Home Office regulator conducts an integrated assessment of the compliance of all licence holders including on-site inspections. The Government has published and enforces standards for the care and accommodation of all animals bred, supplied or used for scientific purposes.\n\nThe MHRA requires testing on a suitable animal model by developers seeking regulatory approval, in the development of certain new medicines. The MHRA aligns with international regulatory bodies and the pharmaceutical industry in this position. It should be noted that the MHRA does not require all medicines to be tested, by developers, on two species as some drugs lack their primary mode of action in animal species other than primates. However, most drugs do retain their activity in animal species and safety testing in a second species is therefore required for these drugs, with dogs being one of the species that can be used. The MHRA does not itself use dogs in scientific procedures. The Government expects a gradual reduction and adaptation in the use of animals in this context, with some purposes being phased out entirely.\n\nThe UK has a world leading reputation for the delivery of the 3Rs. UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) provides core funding for the National Centre for 3Rs (NC3Rs), which works nationally and internationally to drive the uptake of 3Rs technologies and ensure that advances in the 3Rs are reflected in policy, practice and regulations on animal research. Since it was established, the NC3Rs has invested £89.3 million in research grants and almost £34 million in contracts through its CRACK IT Challenges innovation scheme to UK and EU-based institutions.\n\nDepartment for Science, Innovation and Technology","created_at":"2025-02-11T08:37:19.216Z","updated_at":"2025-02-11T08:38:35.525Z"},"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"SIT","name":"Department for Science, Innovation and Technology","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-science-innovation-and-technology"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":701600,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/701600.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Repeal the Climate Change Act 2008 and Net Zero targets","background":"We consider that Parliament must revoke The Climate Change Act 2008 and related Net Zero targets as since 2008 when The Climate Change Act became law many hundreds of scientists up to the highest Nobel Laureate level have jointly declared \"There is no climate emergency\".","additional_details":"We believe the Climate Change Act 2008 and related Net Zero targets are both now in effect based on just one side of a two-sided scientific debate as we do not consider there to be a scientific consensus on the hypothesis of human emissions causing climate change. We consider that one side only of a two-sided scientific debate is not an acceptable basis for significant legislation that could have major impacts on the UK's economy and citizens. We want the issue of Climate Change to be reconsidered from scratch based on views and evidence from all sides.","committee_note":"","state":"closed","signature_count":21323,"created_at":"2024-11-12T20:33:22.499Z","updated_at":"2026-03-20T16:41:48.902Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2024-12-06T16:58:07.214Z","closed_at":"2025-06-06T22:59:59.999Z","moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2024-11-14T11:39:50.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2025-01-15T17:03:30.000Z","government_response_at":"2025-02-06T15:59:46.443Z","debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":null,"rejection":null,"government_response":{"responded_on":"2025-02-06","summary":"There is no ‘two-sided’ debate on anthropogenic climate change. The Government’s policy to support ambitious action on climate change reflects the overwhelming scientific consensus.","details":"The Government’s policy to support ambitious action on climate change reflects the mainstream scientific consensus and thousands of studies, including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assessments. The IPCC is the authoritative source of information on climate science. The IPCC has established that human influence has warmed the climate at a rate that is unprecedented in at least the last 2000 years. This warming of the climate is attributed to the build-up of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere due to fossil fuel combustion and deforestation. The evidence for this is set out in chapters 2 and 3 of the IPCC Sixth Assessment Working Group 1 report. The IPCC Sixth Assessment reports can be accessed here: https://www.ipcc.ch/assessment-report/ar6/\n\nAs discussed in chapter 4 of the above report, if the CO2 concentration continues to rise unchecked the world could face a global surface temperature rise of about 3°C or more above pre-industrial levels by the end of this century. The serious consequences of this for human societies and ecosystems are set out in the IPCC Working Group report on impacts, vulnerability, and adaptation.\n\nThe Climate Change Act 2008 sets our commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050 in law. The UK has halved its emissions, having cut them by around 53% between 1990 and 2023. We are absolutely committed to our targets. That is why making Britain a clean energy superpower is one of the five missions of this government — delivering clean power by 2030 and accelerating to net zero across the economy.\n\nThis transition will be one of the economic opportunities of the century – a chance to create hundreds of thousands of good jobs, drive investment into all parts of the UK, and protect the UK economy from future price shocks that reliance on fossil fuels create. Beyond growth and energy security, the transition to a net zero economy can deliver a range of social and health benefits for people right across the UK. As we act on how we heat our homes and buildings, fuel our transport, and protect our natural world, we can cut fuel poverty, clean up our air, increase access to nature and improve quality of life.\n\nThe net zero transition is critical to sustainable UK growth because of the economic costs of unmitigated climate change, and because global demand for low-carbon products and services is growing rapidly. The Office of Budget Responsibility (OBR) published its analysis of the cost of reaching net zero by 2050 in chapter 3 of the July 2021 edition of its UK Fiscal Risk Report. As the OBR has noted, “the costs of failing to get climate change under control would be much larger than those of bringing emissions down to net zero.” (https://obr.uk/frs/fiscal-risks-report-july-2021/#:~:text=This%20year%20we%20cover%20three,legacy%20for%20the%20public%20finances.)\n\nWe know many people are struggling with their bills and we want to do everything we can to help them. Without the shift to renewable energy, we will continue to be exposed to volatile fossil fuel markets and the cost-of-living crises households had to live through in the last Parliament. \n\nWe will be fighting for working families and businesses through establishing Great British Energy (GBE), a publicly owned national champion that will ensure British taxpayers, billpayers and communities reap the benefits of clean, secure, home-grown energy. GBE will work in lockstep with the National Wealth Fund (NWF). The NWF, capitalised with £27.8bn, will mobilise billions of pounds of investment in the UK’s world-leading clean energy and growth industries and support the delivery of the Industrial Strategy.\n\nWe have also created a Clean Power 2030 Unit led by former chief executive of the Climate Change Committee, Chris Stark, to act as a top team of industry experts and officials to troubleshoot, negotiate and clear the way for energy projects which drive growth.\n\nThe net zero transition will support the creation of hundreds of thousands of good jobs across the UK. There were 272,400 full-time equivalents (FTE) directly employed in the UK Low Carbon and Renewable Energy Economy in 2022, an 8% increase since 2021 – with up to 450,000 FTE employees when including the wider supply chain.\n\nThere are high levels of support for our net zero goals, and we know that people are willing to make choices to help reduce climate change. The most recent wave of the DESNZ Public Attitudes Tracker shows that 80% of the UK public are either fairly or very concerned about climate change (https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/desnz-public-attitudes-tracker-winter-2023).\n\nWe are committed to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to contribute to the transition, supporting people and communities to take action and realise the benefits.  We will set out our approach in a Public Participation Strategy to be published in 2025. This will include opportunities to ensure public views are considered in policy development.\n\nDepartment for Energy Security and Net Zero","created_at":"2025-02-06T15:59:46.440Z","updated_at":"2025-02-06T16:39:29.100Z"},"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"ESNZ","name":"Department for Energy Security and Net Zero","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-energy-security-and-net-zero"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":705154,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/705154.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Reinstate release of certain serious offenders half-way through their sentence","background":"I would like the Government to reinstate the early release of prisoners who are serving sentences for certain serious crimes, half-way through their sentence, instead of after two thirds of their sentence.","additional_details":"I believe, especially for first time offenders, serving two thirds does not help to rehabilitate but causes serious mental health issues. I believe with the current prison overcrowding, this should be looked in to.","committee_note":"","state":"closed","signature_count":12370,"created_at":"2024-11-26T22:27:31.125Z","updated_at":"2025-07-14T23:00:03.900Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2025-01-14T13:36:31.266Z","closed_at":"2025-07-14T22:59:59.999Z","moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2024-11-26T23:47:30.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2025-01-23T13:57:30.000Z","government_response_at":"2025-02-06T15:14:28.526Z","debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":null,"rejection":null,"government_response":{"responded_on":"2025-02-06","summary":"Release points are within the remit of the Sentencing Review and we will consider any recommendations from the review.","details":"The Independent Review of Sentencing has been set up by the Government to consider a comprehensive re-evaluation of our sentencing framework. This includes looking at the administration of sentences, including the point at which offenders are released from prison and it would not be appropriate to speculate on its conclusions at this stage. Information on the Sentencing Review is publicly available at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/independent-sentencing-review-2024-to-2025.\n\nThe MoJ is committed to improving mental health outcomes for people in contact with the criminal justice system, to ensure that offenders and defendants with mental health needs receive timely support, in the most appropriate setting. \n\nAll prisoners have access to integrated mental health services commissioned by NHS England, and in Wales, by the Welsh Government. This includes access to a range of treatments and interventions within prison as set out in the national service specification for mental health care in prisons.\n\nFollowing the completion of their national mental health needs analysis of all prisons, NHS England are refreshing this service specification to ensure that services remain tailored to the need of people in prison. \n\nMinistry of Justice","created_at":"2025-02-06T15:14:28.523Z","updated_at":"2025-02-06T15:14:28.523Z"},"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"MoJ","name":"Ministry of Justice","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":702074,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/702074.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Prohibit publishers irrevocably disabling video games they have already sold","background":"The government should update consumer law to prohibit publishers from disabling video games (and related game assets / features) they have already sold without recourse for customers to retain or repair them. We seek this as a statutory consumer right.","additional_details":"Most video games sold can work indefinitely, but some have design elements that render the product non-functional at a time which the publisher controls, with no date provided at sale. We see this as a form of planned obsolescence, as customers can be deprived of their purchase and cannot retain or repair the game. We think this practice is hostile to consumers, entirely preventable, and have concerns existing laws do not address the problem.  Thus, we believe government intervention is needed.","committee_note":"","state":"closed","signature_count":189887,"created_at":"2024-11-17T19:01:47.912Z","updated_at":"2025-11-04T10:35:11.895Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2025-01-14T10:00:44.542Z","closed_at":"2025-07-14T22:59:59.999Z","moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2024-11-18T16:22:00.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2025-01-18T10:50:20.000Z","government_response_at":"2025-02-03T15:09:54.335Z","debate_threshold_reached_at":"2025-07-02T15:50:00.000Z","debate_scheduled_on":"2025-09-18","scheduled_debate_date":"2025-11-03","debate_outcome_at":"2025-11-04T10:35:11.895Z","creator_name":null,"rejection":null,"government_response":{"responded_on":"2025-02-03","summary":"There are no plans to amend UK consumer law on disabling video games. Those selling games must comply with existing requirements in consumer law and we will continue to monitor this issue.","details":"The Government recognises concerns raised by video games users regarding the operability of purchased products. As the lead department for video games, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) regularly engages industry representatives and monitors how consumers interact with games. We work with the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) as the lead department for consumer protection more generally.\n\nWe are aware of issues relating to the life-span of digital content, including video games, and we appreciate the concerns of players of some games that have been discontinued. We have no plans to amend existing consumer law on digital obsolescence, but we will monitor this issue and consider the relevant work of the Competition and Market Authority (CMA) on consumer rights and consumer detriment.\n\nVideo games sellers must comply with existing consumer law – this includes the Consumer Rights Act 2015 (CRA) and Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 (CPRs). We have provided details of relevant protections below. However, there is no requirement in UK law for software companies to support older versions of their products. Decision-making is for those companies, taking account of commercial and regulatory factors and complying with existing consumer law. There may be occasions where companies make decisions based on the high running costs of maintaining older servers for games with declining user bases. \n\nThe CRA gives consumers important rights when they make a contract with a trader for the supply of digital content, requiring it to be of satisfactory quality, fit for a particular purpose and as described by the seller. It may be difficult and expensive for businesses to maintain support for old software, particularly if it needs to interact with new technologies. However, if software is offered for sale that is not supported by the provider, then this should be made clear, for example on product webpages and physical packaging. \n\nIf digital content does not meet these quality rights, the consumer is entitled to a repair or replacement or, if not possible, some money back up to 100% of the cost of the digital content. These rights apply to intangible digital content like a PC game, as well as tangible content like a physical copy of a game. The CRA has a limit of up to six years after a breach of contract during which a consumer can take legal action.\n\nA trader or third party can upgrade and improve the features of digital content so long as it continues to match any description given by the trader and conforms with any pre-contract information provided by the trader, unless varied by express agreement. \n\nIn addition, the CRA requires that the terms and conditions applied by a trader to a product they sell must not be unfair and must be prominent and transparent. If not, they may also be challenged and the question of fairness is a matter for the courts. Terms found to be unfair are not binding on the consumer.\n\nThe CPRs require information to consumers to be clear and correct and prohibit commercial practices which through false information or misleading omissions cause the average consumer to make a different choice. As such, the regulations prohibit commercial practices which omit or hide information which the average consumer needs to make an informed choice, and prohibits traders from providing material information in an unclear, unintelligible, ambiguous or untimely manner. If consumers are led to believe that a game will remain playable indefinitely for certain systems, despite the end of physical support, the CPRs may require that the game remains technically feasible (for example, available offline) to play under those circumstances. \n\nThe CPRs are enforced by Trading Standards and the CMA. If consumers believe that there has been a breach of these regulations, they should report it to the Citizens Advice helpline (or Advice Direct Scotland for those living in Scotland) which is a free service advising on rights and how to take their case forward. The helplines will refer complaints to Trading Standards and CMA where appropriate. Consumers can also pursue private redress through the courts where a trader has provided misleading information on a product.\n\nThe CPRs section of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers (DMCC) Act 2024 is expected to come into effect in April 2025. It restates and updates the CPRs into primary legislation, revokes the 2008 regulations and sets out rules around unfair trading. The Act:\n● Provides the Secretary of State with the power to add, amend, or remove a description of a commercial practice which are in all circumstances considered unfair \n● Provides clarification that someone facilitating supply or promotion of a product is a ‘trader’ and must comply with consumer law\n\nThe use of this power will be kept under review – any amendments proposed are subject to a duty to consult with stakeholders and approval by both Houses of Parliament.\nDepartment for Culture, Media and Sport","created_at":"2025-02-03T15:09:54.332Z","updated_at":"2025-02-03T15:11:52.599Z"},"debate":{"debated_on":"2025-11-04","transcript_url":"https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2025-11-03/debates/C603C07C-1BB5-41EF-A3C1-1AE1FEBBB95D/VideoGamesConsumerLaw","video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/live/ONX2KUhyFow","debate_pack_url":"https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cdp-2025-0195/","public_engagement_url":"","debate_summary_url":"","overview":""},"departments":[{"acronym":"DCMS","name":"Department for Culture, Media and Sport","url":""}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":701884,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/701884.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Reverse Cadet Forces Funding Cuts by Min of Defence and the Dept of Education.","background":"The govt have recently halved funding to State School Cadet units and Cadet Force Adult Volunteer Allowances. This is leading to reductions in activities and we think having a highly destructive impact on young people across the UK. We think this particularly impacts those from poorest backgrounds.","additional_details":"The Cadets consist of the Sea Cadet Corps, the Army Cadet Force, the RAF Air Cadets and the school based Combined Cadet Forces.\r\n \r\nA Uni. of Northampton Study highlights the enormous value of Cadet Forces.\r\n \r\nhttps://www.northampton.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/social-impact-cadet-forces-uk-2020.pdf\r\n \r\nIt highlights return on investment from money spent on UK Cadet Activities (c£160m pa) results in savings of 3.8 times the amount invested.\r\n \r\nPlease sign this petition to get these cuts reversed.","committee_note":"","state":"closed","signature_count":17098,"created_at":"2024-11-15T15:50:48.447Z","updated_at":"2025-07-02T09:24:19.626Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2024-12-12T16:59:57.249Z","closed_at":"2025-06-12T22:59:59.999Z","moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2024-11-15T16:13:00.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2024-12-19T15:10:40.000Z","government_response_at":"2025-01-28T10:51:49.369Z","debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":null,"rejection":null,"government_response":{"responded_on":"2025-06-25","summary":"Resource constraints have impacted across all areas of Education and Defence including support to cadet activity. Cadet funding is kept under review and must be balanced against other priorities.","details":"MOD Funding of Cadets: The general level of MOD funding for cadet activity has remained largely unchanged over the past 5 years and comes from numerous sources within Defence, including the single Services (Royal Navy, Army, and RAF).\n\nCadet Force Adult Volunteer allowance: adult volunteer remuneration comes from single Service budgets and whilst only a portion of activity delivered by adult volunteers attracts remuneration through the volunteer allowance, this nevertheless represents a significant component of the running costs for the delivery of their cadet activity. Defence seeks to preserve the quality of the cadet experience but there are financial and other constraints that have impacted across all areas, and this includes the delivery of the cadet experience, not just for school-based cadet activity (Combined Cadet Forces) but for community cadets too (Army Cadet Force, Air Training Corps, Sea Cadet Corps and Volunteer Cadet Corps). We recognise that adult volunteers are the cornerstone of the MOD Cadet movement, and we are alive to the challenges that they face in delivering their vital role, so we are seeking to ensure that they are properly supported.\n\nSupporting Cadets in schools: recognising the benefits of cadet activity to young people and society, and in schools, the joint MOD/DfE the Cadet Expansion Programme (CEP) was launched in 2012. The programme has increased the number of cadet units in UK schools to over 500. Through the CEP more than 250 new units have opened in state schools with priority given to less affluent areas. Prior to CEP, 75% of school cadet units were in independent schools; now around 60% are in the state sector. In September 2018, the then Secretary of State announced an ambition to grow the number of cadets in schools from 46,000 to 60,000. We are currently at approximately 85% of that aspiration. Since FY 21/22 the level of investment by the MOD into the CEP has grown year on year (currently £3.6 million per year) so that more young people can enjoy the benefits of the cadet experience in schools. This commitment remains unchanged.\n\nSchool Staff Instructors (SSI): the SSIs are considered a vital component for the successful delivery of school-based cadets and the MOD remunerates SSIs through the mechanism of Volunteer Allowance and this level of support has remained unchanged. As part of the initial CEP Phase 3 plan, the Department for Education agreed to match the funding for this SSI Volunteer Allowance, through the mechanism of SSI grant funding in state schools in England until the end of August 2023 but agreed to extend this for a further year until August 2024. However, they were unable to extend the SSI grant funding beyond that point into the 24/25 academic year. In light of the Strategic Defence Review recommendation – funded with an additional £70 million – that the MOD should expand in-school and community-based Cadet Forces across the country by 30% by 2030, the Government will consider reinstating the funding for SSIs as part of a wider growth strategy.\n\nMinistry of Defence\n\nThis is a revised response. The Petitions Committee requested a response which more directly addressed the request of the petition. You can find the original response towards the bottom of the petition page (https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/701884)","created_at":"2025-01-28T10:51:49.366Z","updated_at":"2025-07-02T09:24:19.623Z"},"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"MoD","name":"Ministry of Defence","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-defence"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":700120,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/700120.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Stop Means Testing Pensioners and increase the State Pension","background":"We demand the government stop means testing pensioners, that we think is a degrading and humiliating practice. We also think the state pension should be increased.\r\nWe believe that for too long, our elderly have been portrayed by media as merely burdens on the NHS and the modern welfare state.","additional_details":"We think that the elderly should be entitled to a decent pension and a comfortable lifestyle as many will have already paid into the system for longer than the rest of the population by now. We believe any Government should have a responsibility toward our nation's elderly people.\r\n \r\nIn the Victorian era, retirement was often only an option for those who had accrued wealth. Are we regressing back to those Dickensian times?\r\n \r\nWe believe means testing is an abhorrent practice that is demeaning and intrusive.\r\n","committee_note":"","state":"closed","signature_count":14563,"created_at":"2024-10-31T02:02:36.465Z","updated_at":"2025-10-08T10:54:30.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2024-11-11T14:13:33.058Z","closed_at":"2025-05-11T22:59:59.999Z","moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2024-10-31T15:23:30.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2025-01-12T19:37:10.000Z","government_response_at":"2025-01-28T09:03:34.514Z","debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":null,"rejection":null,"government_response":{"responded_on":"2025-01-27","summary":"Our commitment to the Triple Lock throughout this Parliament will increase the State Pension by up to £1,900 a year by its end. The Government does not and will not means-test the State Pension.","details":"The Government is committed to supporting current and future generations of pensioners and giving them the dignity and security they deserve in retirement. There is no means test for the State Pension, and this Government will never introduce one.\n\nWe have made a commitment to the Triple Lock for the entirety of this Parliament which means spending on people’s State Pensions is forecast to rise by over £31 billion. Our commitment means millions of pensioners are set to see their State Pension rise by up to £1,900 a year by the end of this Parliament. Protecting the Triple Lock even in the current economic climate shows our steadfast commitment to pensioners.\n\nGiven the substantial pressures faced by the public finances, the Government has had to make difficult decisions to bring the public finances back under control. This includes the decision to target the Winter Fuel Payment on low-income pensioners who need it most.\n\nIt is because this Government has taken tough but fair decisions to put the public finances on a stable footing that it has been possible to invest an extra £22.6bn in day-to-day health spending in England over this financial year and next with consequential funding increases for the Welsh and Scottish Governments. We are committed to investing in and reforming the health service so that it delivers the care that older generations in particular deserve. The new State Pension was introduced in April 2016 with the aim of providing a clearer, sustainable foundation for private saving. The full rate of £221.20 per week (2024/25) was set above the Standard Minimum Guarantee level of Pension Credit, to remove disincentives to save.\n\nRemoving previous savings disincentives by reducing the interaction between private pension income and means-tested benefits for those with modest incomes, has enabled pensioners to see greater benefits from their retirement savings or income.\n\nTogether, the new State Pension and Automatic Enrolment to workplace savings provide a robust system for retirement provision for decades to come. Pension Credit will continue to provide an important safety net for those who need it.\n\nDepartment for Work and Pensions","created_at":"2025-01-28T09:03:34.512Z","updated_at":"2025-01-28T09:10:12.856Z"},"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"DWP","name":"Department for Work and Pensions","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-work-pensions"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":701051,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/701051.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Abolish Non-Crime Hate Incidents","background":"The term 'non-crime hate incident' describes an incident which involves an act by a person which is perceived by another person to be motivated by hostility or prejudice towards people with a particular characteristic, i.e. race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, transgender identity.","additional_details":"We believe that finding common agreement of what can be considered 'hateful' is difficult. We think that it is entirely subjective and therefore constitutes an existential threat to the freedom of speech / expression of the general public, as a non-crime hate incident can show up on an enhanced Disclosure and Barring (DBS) check, putting a person's future employment prospects at risk for what we believe may ultimately be harmless jokes or a disagreement of opinion.","committee_note":"","state":"closed","signature_count":35002,"created_at":"2024-11-06T20:00:05.033Z","updated_at":"2025-06-25T09:16:10.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2024-12-24T11:12:01.064Z","closed_at":"2025-06-24T22:59:59.999Z","moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2024-11-11T22:25:00.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2025-01-10T11:00:40.000Z","government_response_at":"2025-01-24T17:07:10.334Z","debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":null,"rejection":null,"government_response":{"responded_on":"2025-01-24","summary":"The National Police Chiefs’ Council, supported by the College of Policing, are reviewing the use and effectiveness of non-crime hate incidents. The Government will await the outcome of this review.","details":"The Home Secretary has been clear that a consistent and common-sense approach must be taken with non-crime hate incidents (NCHIs). The Government has also been clear that its top priority for policing is delivering on the safer streets mission to rebuild neighbourhood policing, restoring public confidence, and making progress on the ambition to halve knife crime and violence against women and girls.\n\nThe recording of NCHIs stems from the murder of Stephen Lawrence in 1993. The 1999 Stephen Lawrence Inquiry Report called for Codes of Practice to create “a comprehensive system of reporting and recording of all racist incidents and crimes”. NCHI recording has since expanded to cover all the protected characteristics covered by hate crime laws in England and Wales: race, religion, disability, sexual orientation and transgender identity.\n\nNCHIs are recorded by the police to collect information on incidents which may be motivated by hate and which could escalate into more serious harm, but which do not by themselves constitute a criminal offence. For many years, the police have monitored data relating to these incidents, where necessary and proportionate to do so, in order to monitor tensions and protect individuals and communities from serious crimes. It is already clear in police guidance and in the code of practice produced by the previous government that trivial, irrational and/or malicious complaints should not be recorded.\n\nThe Home Office has agreed that the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), supported by the College of Policing, will now conduct a review on the use and effectiveness of NCHIs. The review will cover when the police should record information that has not yet reached the criminal threshold, but which is still deemed necessary to monitor community tensions and keep the public safe. It will also take into account the fundamental right of freedom of expression and recent court rulings in this area. The Government welcomes this review and will work closely with the NPCC and the College as they develop their findings and any proposals on this issue.\n\nIn relation to concerns about NCHIs in the context of Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, Statutory Disclosure Guidance https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/statutory-disclosure-guidance issued by the Secretary of State covers how decisions relating to the disclosure of police information on enhanced criminal record certificates should be made, setting out principles to which chief police officers must have regard. NCHIs would not appear on a basic or standard DBS check.\n\nHome Office","created_at":"2025-01-24T17:07:10.330Z","updated_at":"2025-01-24T17:07:10.330Z"},"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"HO","name":"Home Office","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/home-office"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":700824,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/700824.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Close the borders! Suspend ALL immigration for 5 years!","background":"We believe our country is facing serious challenges both from legal and illegal migration, and think the only way to deal with this is to suspend all immigration temporarily for 5 years.","additional_details":"We think we need a tougher approach. We believe we can’t even look after the people we have here at the moment.","committee_note":"","state":"closed","signature_count":229772,"created_at":"2024-11-05T09:44:05.655Z","updated_at":"2026-05-08T10:22:47.279Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2024-11-26T10:57:32.064Z","closed_at":"2025-05-26T22:59:59.999Z","moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2024-11-05T21:14:30.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2024-12-26T08:50:10.000Z","government_response_at":"2025-01-17T11:12:48.123Z","debate_threshold_reached_at":"2024-12-28T13:15:10.000Z","debate_scheduled_on":"2025-02-14","scheduled_debate_date":"2025-03-10","debate_outcome_at":"2025-03-11T10:35:49.415Z","creator_name":null,"rejection":null,"government_response":{"responded_on":"2025-01-17","summary":"The Government is taking the tough action required to reduce both illegal immigration and overall net migration, without the economic damage that would come from suspending immigration entirely.","details":"In his Downing Street speech on 28 November last year, the Prime Minister made clear that net migration - which rose to a record high of more than 900,000 in the year ending June 2023 – must come down. It had been allowed to grow out of control in recent years, driven largely by overseas recruitment. The Prime Minister and Home Secretary have also repeatedly made clear their intention to reduce illegal immigration by dismantling the criminal smuggling gangs behind the trafficking of migrants across the Channel, by cracking down on illegal working within the UK, and by increasing the removal and returns of people with no right to be in this country.\n\nOn net migration, we are committed to bring down numbers through the continuation of tough measures on visas alongside the introduction of new employment legislation, ensuring that the visa and employment systems are strongly aligned. We will do this by making sure that workers in this country receive the skills training they need to fill vacancies in key sectors, so that overseas recruitment does not remain the default for filling those shortages. The independent Migration Advisory Committee has been commissioned to review key sectors, and the long-term plan we will set out in our Immigration White Paper will see departments working across government, partnering with experts to build our skills base and reducing reliance on overseas labour. \n\nAlongside this action to tackle the root causes behind the UK’s historically high levels of net migration, we will continue to:\n\n• Restrict most overseas students from bringing family members to the UK;\n• Restrict the ability of care workers to bring dependants with them and require all care providers sponsoring migrants to register with the Care Quality Commission;\n• Increase the general salary threshold for those arriving on Skilled Worker visas from £26,200 to £38,700; and\n• Abolish the 20% going rate discount so that employers can no longer pay migrants less than UK workers in shortage occupations.\n\nWe have also set out our plans to tackle the criminal smuggling gangs making millions out of small boat crossings, undermining our border security and putting lives at risk. We have introduced the Border Security Command (BSC) to focus on targeting and dismantling this vile trade. The BSC has been backed by £150 million of investment this year and next for investment in new investigators and new technology, and - in partnership with key organisations like the National Crime Agency - it has already overseen significant enforcement action against criminal gangs, in partnership with overseas agencies. The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill will be introduced this year to further strengthen the BSC’s ability to coordinate the UK’s response to all aspects of organised immigration crime, and provide the UK's investigators with stronger powers to go after the smuggling gangs. \n\nThe Prime Minister and Home Secretary have also led the drive for stronger international cooperation in the fight against Organised Immigration Crime, ranging from agreements with the German authorities to target warehouses in Germany storing dinghies destined for use in the Channel, to joint cooperation agreements with the Iraqi and Kurdish authorities to disrupt smuggling gangs and supply chains operating through that region. We have already begun delivering a major surge in immigration enforcement and returns activity to remove people with no right to be in the UK and ensure the rules are both respected and enforced, with 16,400 people returned from 5 July 2024 to 4 January 2025. In the year ending September 2024, asylum-related returns were around a fifth lower than they were compared to 2010. By the end of 2025, it is our ambition to return to 2010 levels of asylum-related returns. We are also continuing to crack down on visa abuse by unscrupulous employers, and the hiring of illegal workers, with major increases in raids and arrests targeted at illegal working. \n\nWe are determined to increase momentum in all the areas set out above to deliver our twin goals to reduce both net migration and illegal immigration. However, we believe it would be harmful to the UK economy to go further, in the way suggested by the petitioners, through suspending all legal migration into the UK. We continue to welcome business investment and talent from around the world, and we value the contribution that controlled migration plays in supporting many sectors of our economy, including our essential public services. By taking the action set out above, and restoring confidence in our immigration controls, we believe we can address many of the concerns which have led to this petition, without damaging our economy and public services by suspending immigration entirely.\n\nHome Office","created_at":"2025-01-17T11:12:48.121Z","updated_at":"2025-01-17T11:14:23.884Z"},"debate":{"debated_on":"2025-03-10","transcript_url":"https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2025-03-10/debates/9B6A956A-1429-4A08-8033-9651A18E86A1/LegalAndIllegalMigrationSuspension?highlight=immigration#contribution-753B8A74-DCD4-46AA-984B-1FFDE914510B","video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/live/h4FaK4SK2Ss?si=oCZUnzrnFTFJikMe&t=251","debate_pack_url":"https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cdp-2025-0046/","public_engagement_url":"","debate_summary_url":"","overview":""},"departments":[{"acronym":"HO","name":"Home Office","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/home-office"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":700036,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/700036.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Ban driven grouse shooting","background":"Chris Packham, Ruth Tingay and Mark Avery (Wild Justice) believe that driven grouse shooting is bad for people, the environment and wildlife. People; we think grouse shooting is economically insignificant when contrasted with other real and potential uses of the UK’s extensive uplands.","additional_details":"Environment; muirburn contributes to climate breakdown and drainage leads to flooding and erosion. Wildlife; the wholesale extermination of predators has a disastrous impact on the ecology of these areas and the criminal practice of raptor persecution has taken place. We believe it's time to provide an opportunity to implement immediate and meaningful measures to address what we see as an abhorrently destructive practice so that recovery of moorlands can progress.","committee_note":"","state":"closed","signature_count":104341,"created_at":"2024-10-30T16:17:50.502Z","updated_at":"2025-10-15T11:22:12.314Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2024-11-22T15:25:46.461Z","closed_at":"2025-05-22T22:59:59.999Z","moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2024-10-30T22:49:40.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2024-11-24T08:00:20.000Z","government_response_at":"2025-01-16T17:52:34.602Z","debate_threshold_reached_at":"2025-04-20T10:47:50.000Z","debate_scheduled_on":"2025-05-23","scheduled_debate_date":"2025-06-30","debate_outcome_at":"2025-10-15T11:22:12.314Z","creator_name":null,"rejection":null,"government_response":{"responded_on":"2025-01-16","summary":"The Government has no plans to ban driven grouse shooting. It recognises well-managed grouse shooting can be an important part of a local rural economy, providing direct and indirect employment.","details":"This is a devolved matter. The Government appreciates that many people hold strong views on the issue of driven grouse shooting. The Government considers that well-managed shooting activities can bring benefits to the rural economy and can be beneficial for wildlife and habitat conservation. We will continue work to ensure a sustainable, mutually beneficial relationship between shooting and conservation. The Government has no plans to ban grouse shooting.\n\nIt is of course vital that wildlife and habitats are protected and the law is respected by those involved in the grouse shooting industry. Wild birds of prey, for example, are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. There is evidence from Ewing et al (2023) and others to suggest a link between crimes against birds of prey and grouse shooting. The Government supports the National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU) – which helps prevent and detect crimes against wildlife by obtaining and disseminating intelligence and directly assisting law enforcers in their investigations – and the Hen Harrier Task Force – which is led by the NWCU and aims to detect, deter, and disrupt offenders, in particular those persecuting rare hen harriers – by using technology and improving partnership working. Where wild birds of prey or any non-target species of wildlife are killed illegally the full force of the law should apply to proven perpetrators of the crime. All forms of predator management to protect grouse must be undertaken within the law, including compliance with animal welfare legislation. \n\nGrouse shooting takes place in upland areas, which are important for a range of things including, food, fibre, water regulation, carbon storage, biodiversity and recreational opportunities. UK uplands have 75 per cent of the world’s remaining heather moorland and about 13 per cent of the world’s blanket bog.\n\nUpland catchments provide 70 per cent of the UK’s drinking water. The Government is committed to delivering positive environmental and economic benefits and creating a more sustainable future for the English uplands, including preserving and restoring peatlands.\n\nHealthy, active peat provides good habitat for grouse as well as numerous environmental benefits. Through the Nature for Climate Peatland Grant Scheme, the Government is continuing to invest millions of pounds in peatland restoration, to aid climate change mitigation and nature recovery. The Government’s new and improved Countryside Stewardship offer will be available this summer. This scheme will encourage land managers to enter into agreements to enhance and protect the natural environment, including upland peatland habitats.\n\nDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs","created_at":"2025-01-16T17:52:34.600Z","updated_at":"2025-01-16T17:52:34.600Z"},"debate":{"debated_on":"2025-06-30","transcript_url":"https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2025-06-30/debates/FFEB6B80-1AD7-4A27-9731-B15825A61BE1/DrivenGrouseShooting","video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVP_u8XQa8Y","debate_pack_url":"https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cdp-2025-0134/","public_engagement_url":"","debate_summary_url":"","overview":""},"departments":[{"acronym":"DEFRA","name":"Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":701137,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/701137.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Allow carers already in UK on sponsored visa to work for any CQC care provider","background":"We are asking the Government to reconsider its position on foreign carers who are already in the UK on sponsored visas, to be allowed to find work with any CQC registered care providers. We think there are thousands of carers who are here with no work from their sponsors, who face having to go home!","additional_details":"We think it doesn’t make sense, when the health and social care sector is crying out for carers, for people who are already in the country, but through no fault of their own, haven’t got enough or no work at all, to be given 60 days to find a sponsor or leave the country! Some care providers are not licensed sponsors, but are desperate for staff. We think if carers are allowed to work for any CQC registered care provider, they would work more hours and bring much needed tax revenue.","committee_note":"","state":"closed","signature_count":11542,"created_at":"2024-11-07T15:51:20.413Z","updated_at":"2025-05-28T23:00:02.441Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2024-11-28T14:33:55.374Z","closed_at":"2025-05-28T22:59:59.999Z","moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2024-11-07T22:58:50.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2024-12-15T17:03:30.000Z","government_response_at":"2025-01-16T17:22:52.549Z","debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":null,"rejection":null,"government_response":{"responded_on":"2025-01-16","summary":"Sponsorship is a vital part of the Points Based System, providing protection for workers. We have no plans to change this approach to offer people to work unsponsored in a sector.","details":"The Government is aware that care workers who have lost their sponsor are finding it difficult to find sponsors. Therefore officials from the Home Office and Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) are working closely with the sector to improve their interactions with the immigration system and to help target non-compliance and exploitation, including updating international recruitment guidance and producing workers’ rights awareness guidance for those coming to the UK.  \n\nThe sponsorship system is an integral part of the Points Based System, ensuring that migrants have a job when they come to the UK. The UK’s sponsorship system has a built-in compliance framework, with strong safeguards to prevent sponsors from engaging in illegal or exploitative employment practices. Employers are obliged to comply with the sponsor guidance which outlines their duties and responsibilities as sponsors. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) have a duty to act against those who breach their sponsorship duties, with revocation of a sponsor licence being the last resort.   \n\nUKVI compliance teams continue to investigate a range of allegations about the adult care sector. The evidence ranges from labour market offences such as charging for work finding fees and non-payment of National Minimum Wage to the higher level of exploitative abuses such as debt bondage and modern slavery.   \n\nUKVI have also encountered a significant number of non-genuine employers and also, in very high numbers, employers not being able to evidence hours of work available to overseas workers. \n\nWithout sponsorship, UKVI would be very limited in the action they could take against rogue employers. However, because we have these safeguards, this has led to two strands of action being taken:  \n\n• extra scrutiny being applied to employers who are asking to bring over an overseas worker to ensure that they have enough work guaranteed in order to occupy that worker in addition to their current workforce; and  \n• compliance activity being taken against employers currently sponsoring overseas workers when they are either unfit to do so or do not have sufficient levels of work available for that overseas worker.  \n\nSponsored workers are free to seek alternative employment if they can secure a fresh Certificate of Sponsorship with a new employer. UKVI officials are working closely with DHSC to support impacted care sector workers through this process.   \n\nAlongside improving domestic recruitment and retention, we are also committed to improving the way international recruitment works in adult social care, ensuring individuals work for legitimate providers, and tackling the exploitation of workers. Regional partnerships have received £16 million this financial year to support them to prevent and respond to unethical practices in the sector. This includes funding support for international recruits to understand their rights and establishing operational processes with regional partnerships to support individuals to switch employers and remain working in the care sector when they have been impacted by their sponsor’s licence being revoked.  \n\nThe Government recognises the scale of the reforms needed in social care. That is why we will work with the sector on the longer-term reforms needed to create a National Care Service, underpinned by national standards and delivered locally to ensure that everyone lives an independent, dignified life. However, the Government do not have any plans to remove the sponsorship requirement, including for those working in Health and Social Care.\n\nThe Government is committed to tackling exploitation in the adult social sector, we will also deliver a new deal for all working people. Plan to Make Work Pay set out a significant and ambitious agenda to ensure workplace rights are fit for a modern economy, empower working people and deliver economic growth and introduced the Employment Rights Bill on 10 October. As part of this, the Government has committed to creating a new body, the Fair Work Agency (FWA), to be a single enforcement body for employment rights. The FWA will bring together existing state enforcement functions, cover a broader range of employment rights and include new enforcement powers.    \n\nThe Government has also committed to establishing a new Fair Pay Agreement in the adult social care sector, empowering workers and the trade unions that represent them to negotiate fair pay and conditions, including staff benefits, terms and training, underpinned by rights for trade unions to access workplaces, in a regulated and responsible manner, for recruitment and organising purposes. All social care workers must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage for the work that they do. Time spent caring for clients, travelling between appointments, and waiting to start the appointment should be included in the pay calculation.  \n\nHome Office","created_at":"2025-01-16T17:22:52.546Z","updated_at":"2025-01-16T17:29:14.200Z"},"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"HO","name":"Home Office","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/home-office"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":700113,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/700113.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Give State Pension to all at 60 and increase it to equal 48hrs at Living Wage","background":"We want the Government to make the State Pension available from the age of 60 and increase this to equal 48 hours a week at the National Living Wage.","additional_details":"Hence from April 2024, a universal State Pension should be £549.12 per week or about £28,554.24 per year as a right to all including expatriates, age 60 and above.\r\n\r\nWe think that Government policy seems intent on the State Pension being a benefit, while increasing the age of entitlement. We want reforms so the State Pension is available from age 60, and linked to the National Living Wage.","committee_note":"","state":"closed","signature_count":27456,"created_at":"2024-10-31T01:40:26.504Z","updated_at":"2025-05-27T11:31:30.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2024-11-26T10:52:39.817Z","closed_at":"2025-05-26T22:59:59.999Z","moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2024-11-02T14:50:40.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2025-01-01T21:34:50.000Z","government_response_at":"2025-01-16T16:20:18.945Z","debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":null,"rejection":null,"government_response":{"responded_on":"2025-01-16","summary":"The Government has no plans to make State Pension available from the age of 60 or to increase State Pension to equal 48 hours of work a week at the National Living Wage.","details":"The Government is committed to supporting current and future generations of pensioners and giving them the dignity and security they deserve in retirement. \n\nWe have made a commitment to the Triple Lock for this Parliament which will mean spending on people’s State Pensions is forecast to rise by over £31 billion. As a result, by the end of the Parliament, the yearly State Pension of over 12 million pensioners will be up to £1,900 higher. \n\nThe State Pension and the National Living Wage have different purposes, and a direct comparison cannot be drawn. The National Living Wage is designed to protect low-income workers and provide an incentive to work.\n\nIt is also worth noting that while State Pension is an entitlement based on a person’s National Insurance record, it is legally a benefit. From the time of the 1946 National Insurance Act, which applied from the inception of the National Insurance scheme, retirement pension (latterly also known as State Pension), has always been classified in law as a 'benefit'.\n\nOur system of state, private, and workplace pensions provides the basis for security in retirement. The new State Pension was introduced in 2016 to be a simpler, clearer, sustainable foundation for private saving, including workplace pensions supported through Automatic Enrolment. The introduction of Automatic Enrolment has both increased and equalised workplace pension participation rates between eligible men and women in the private sector. \nTogether, the new State Pension and Automatic Enrolment provide a robust system for retirement provision for decades to come, with those on low incomes supported by Pension Credit which continues to provide a safety net.\n\nPension Credit is a means tested benefit which provides extra money to help with daily living costs for people over State Pension age and on a low income. Pension Credit tops up other retirement income to a minimum amount - currently set at £218.15 a week for a single pensioner and £332.95 for a couple. People with certain housing costs, a severe disability, carers and those who are responsible for a child or young person can get more.  \n\nReceipt of Pension Credit also opens the door to a range of other financial support, including help with rent, council tax, fuel bills and a free TV licence for those over 75. Around 1.4 million pensioner households are receiving Pension Credit and the Government is forecast to spend around £6 billion on Pension Credit in 2024/25. \n\nThere are no plans to bring State Pension age back down to 60. Increases to State Pension age have been in legislation since the Pensions Act 1995, which legislated to equalise State Pension age for both men and women to age 65. There have since been a number of legislated increases to State Pension age introduced under successive Governments. State Pension age is currently 66 and set to rise to 67 between 2026 and 2028 and to 68 between 2044 and 2046. \n\nUnder the Pensions Act 2014, the Government has a statutory duty to periodically review whether the rules about State Pension age remain appropriate. To date there have been two Reviews - one in 2017, and the latest in 2023. The next Government Review must be completed by March 2029.\n\nThe State Pension is a pay-as-you-go system funded by current taxpayers. This means that the pensions paid out today are financed from National Insurance and other tax revenues collected today. Therefore, projected differences in the growth of the pensioner population and that of the working-age population has an impact. There were 280 pensioners for every 1000 people of working age as of 2020. This will increase rapidly from the 2030s and will reach levels never seen before by 2070, where the ratio is projected to be 393 pensioners per 1,000 people of working age. In 2024/2025, it is forecast that the total spend on State Pension will be £138 billion, or 5.2% of GDP. The latest projections are that by 2073 to 2074, as a result of increasing life expectancy and a growing pensioner population, spending on State Pension is projected to be 7.9% of GDP. \n\nFor people who have not reached State Pension age the Government is committed to providing a financial safety net for those who need it. Support is available through our benefits system for those who are unable to work or are on a low income but are not eligible for pensioner benefits because of their age.\n\nDepartment for Work and Pensions","created_at":"2025-01-16T16:20:18.942Z","updated_at":"2025-01-16T16:20:18.942Z"},"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"DWP","name":"Department for Work and Pensions","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-work-pensions"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":700614,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/700614.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Hold a referendum to decide if the UK should leave the ECHR.","background":"We ask the government to arrange a public referendum on the UK’s membership in the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). This referendum could allow UK citizens to determine if we should continue adhering to the ECHR or establish independent human rights standards.","additional_details":"We think that a referendum on the ECHR could give the British public a voice in deciding the UK’s human rights framework. We feel that the ECHR, while established to protect fundamental rights, increasingly influences UK policy and limits our control over key national matters, such as immigration and security. We think an independent framework could enable the UK to craft policies that reflect its unique legal and cultural values, safeguarding both individual rights and national interests in a balanced way.","committee_note":"","state":"closed","signature_count":21730,"created_at":"2024-11-03T19:18:44.261Z","updated_at":"2025-06-26T14:46:28.929Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2024-12-11T13:41:06.039Z","closed_at":"2025-06-11T22:59:59.999Z","moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2024-11-03T21:54:20.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2025-01-04T17:05:20.000Z","government_response_at":"2025-01-15T16:01:07.795Z","debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":null,"rejection":null,"government_response":{"responded_on":"2025-01-27","summary":"This Government is fully committed to the ECHR and does not propose to support the holding of a referendum on UK membership. ","details":"The Government is proud that the United Kingdom was one of the first States to ratify the ECHR. British politicians and lawyers were among the chief architects of the Convention. We are fully committed to protecting human rights both domestically and internationally as the essential underpinning of the liberties and democratic values we all enjoy.\n\nOur membership of the ECHR facilitates and strengthens international co-operation on security and irregular migration. The ECHR also provides the basis for peace and stability in Northern Ireland, underpins law enforcement and judicial cooperation in the EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement and is an important pillar of the devolution settlements.\n\nThe ECHR has made a positive difference to the lives and rights of those in the United Kingdom, including its role in the abolition of corporal punishment, ending the ban on LGBT+ people serving in the armed forces, and the abolition of the death penalty.\n\nThe United Kingdom has the lowest rate of applications to the European Court on Human Rights by population: in 2023 it was 3 applications per million persons in the UK. For all Council of Europe member States combined, the rate was 47 per million. In 2023, the European Court of Human Rights made only one adverse judgment against the United Kingdom out of the 176 applications assessed.\n\nThe Government welcomes all efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of multilateral institutions, including the European Court of Human Rights. A strengthened Court and Convention system ensures a focus on the most important cases, guaranteeing human rights as an essential element of the rule of law and protecting the dignity of all.\n\nIn view of Government’s unequivocal support for the ECHR, it will not support the holding of a referendum on UK membership. \n\nForeign, Commonwealth and Development Office \n\nThis is a revised response. The Petitions Committee requested a response which more directly addressed the request of the petition. You can find the original response towards the bottom of the petition page (https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/700614)","created_at":"2025-01-15T16:01:07.792Z","updated_at":"2025-02-11T17:33:34.464Z"},"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"MoJ","name":"Ministry of Justice","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":700217,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/700217.json"},"attributes":{"action":"An independent evaluation of the Cass review on child gender services","background":"We believe that trans healthcare should be based on unbiased research that is peer reviewed. We think that the Cass review's findings have led to restrictive practices that are being directly felt by transgender children.","additional_details":"We feel that an independent evaluation is necessary to ensure children aren’t being unduly harmed. We think that only through a transparent process can we guarantee fair access and treatment for trans children as well as restore faith in the current NHS services.","committee_note":"","state":"closed","signature_count":17353,"created_at":"2024-10-31T21:01:47.075Z","updated_at":"2025-07-07T11:11:34.023Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2024-12-12T17:04:15.223Z","closed_at":"2025-06-12T22:59:59.999Z","moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2024-11-01T11:49:30.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2024-12-22T09:40:30.000Z","government_response_at":"2025-01-14T16:10:39.745Z","debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":null,"rejection":null,"government_response":{"responded_on":"2025-01-14","summary":"The Government and NHS England are fully committed to implementing all recommendations from the independent and evidence based Cass Review. We do not support an independent evaluation of the Review.","details":"The Independent Review of gender identity services for children and young people (the Cass Review) was a comprehensive and independent review commissioned by NHS England to make recommendations on how to improve NHS gender identity services for children and young people. The government and NHS England have made a clear commitment to implement its 32 recommendations in full.\n\nThe Cass Review is robust, evidence-based, and the most comprehensive assessment of gender incongruence in children and young people that has been produced to date. It was underpinned by a systematic review conducted by the University of York and a programme of proactive engagement. Dr Cass’ team engaged with over 1000 individuals and organisations across the breadth of opinion on this subject including trans, gender questioning young people, as well as support and advocacy groups.\n\nDr Cass’ team have been transparent around the methodology used throughout the Review and have made this information publicly available on the Cass Review website.  The link to access the peer-reviewed systematic evidence reviews that informed the report and recommendations is available here: https://adc.bmj.com/pages/gender-identity-service-series. \n\nThe government is clear that healthcare provision for children and young people experiencing gender dysphoria and incongruence must be safe, evidence-based and clinically appropriate. Implementing the Cass Review ensures that this will happen. The government does not, therefore, believe an independent evaluation of the Cass Review would be beneficial and there are no plans for an independent evaluation.\n\nNHS England published its ambitious two-year action plan to implement the Cass Review, which sets out how it will continue to transform and improve services, helping to tackle waiting lists while ensuring safe and holistic care. This can be found here: https://www.england.nhs.uk/commissioning/spec-services/npc-crg/gender-dysphoria-clinical-programme/implementing-advice-from-the-cass-review/\n\nA summary of the progress made is included below:\n\nNHS England has opened three new services in the North West, London, and the South West (Bristol) that offer a fundamentally different clinical model, embedding multi-disciplinary teams in specialist children’s hospitals. This model includes a nominated paediatrician or psychiatrist with overall clinical responsibility for patient safety in these services. A fourth service will open in the East of England in Spring 2025. NHS England is making progress towards its commitment for there to be a specialist children’s gender service in every region by 2026.\n\nInvestment in children and young people’s gender services in 2024/25 has more than doubled compared to 2023/24 and this will increase further as new services are established.\n\nNHS England published a new service specification for the National Referral Support Service for Specialist Services for Children and Young People with Gender Incongruence. This means that a referral for the specialist Children and Young People’s Gender Service can be only made by an NHS-commissioned, secondary care-level paediatric service or a Children and Young Person mental health service. This will help ensure that healthcare professionals with the relevant expertise conduct the assessment and help determine any co-existing mental health or other health needs of these children and their onward care.\n\nNHS England and DHSC, through the National Institute for Health and Care Research, continue to work together to commission an evolving children and young people’s gender research programme. In line with Cass Review recommendations this includes a study which incorporates a planned clinical trial to build the evidence of the relative benefits and harms of puberty-suppressing hormones. The study has several elements, including an observational arm covering a broader cohort of children and young people accessing specialist NHS gender services.\n\nNHS England has started to explore with potential partner organisations the feasibility of establishing a follow through service for 17-25-year-olds. This work will require NHS England to identify a provider organisation(s) that is/are able to deliver the pathway, define a delivery model including though a proposed service specification for the purpose of public consultation, and to design the evaluation framework prior to the establishment of the service. Further development of the design of this part of care will be informed by NHS England’s systemic Review of Adult Gender Services.\n\nThis government remains steadfast in its dedication to protecting and listening to LGBT+ people. The Secretary of State has taken steps to build bridges with the LGBT+ community and stakeholders by hosting constructive, open and honest roundtable discussions, and has set out his intention to maintain an open dialogue and to continue to listen to views from all sides.\n\nDepartment of Health and Social Care","created_at":"2025-01-14T16:10:39.742Z","updated_at":"2025-01-14T16:15:05.515Z"},"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"DHSC","name":"Department of Health and Social Care","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-of-health-and-social-care"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":700117,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/700117.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Fund free TV licences for all pensioners","background":"We want the Government to fund free TV licences for existing pensioners and those who reach the official retirement age. When people reach retirement age, we think they should receive a state-financed free TV licence.","additional_details":"Many pensioners live on the breadline with only the TV for company. With the cost of food soaring and utility bills ever higher, we feel there is a desperate need to provide all pensioners with at least this concession.\r\n \r\nWe feel it is a double outrage that those who have given their all to this country in taxes and raising children have to pay a TV licence fee and are only exempt if they receive means-tested Pension Credit. Meanwhile, some media figures draw huge salaries.","committee_note":"","state":"closed","signature_count":54270,"created_at":"2024-10-31T01:56:42.138Z","updated_at":"2026-03-13T13:56:52.940Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2024-11-26T10:50:16.240Z","closed_at":"2025-05-26T22:59:59.999Z","moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2024-11-02T16:05:40.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2024-12-29T22:14:20.000Z","government_response_at":"2025-01-14T16:01:36.850Z","debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":null,"rejection":null,"government_response":{"responded_on":"2025-01-30","summary":"There are a number of TV licence concessions available, including for over-75s in receipt of pension credit. There is no BBC concession to provide free TV licences for all pensioners at this time.","details":"The BBC is a vital British asset and makes a huge contribution to lives up and down the country. It supports our democracy, brings our communities together, and helps to shape and define our nation through telling stories about the lives of people in all parts of the UK. \n\nTV licence concessions are available to people who are registered blind or severely sight impaired, people over-75 and in receipt of pension credit, and people living in qualifying residential care who are disabled or over 60 years old. There are no further concessions available at this time.\n\nWhile the Government strongly believes in public funding for the BBC given the public good it serves, we are aware of the financial difficulties faced by some households. For this reason, the Government has announced a significant extension to the Simple Payment Plan (SPP). This will allow unlicensed households experiencing financial difficulty to split up the annual payment into more manageable fortnightly and monthly instalments. The BBC’s analysis suggests that the expansion could double the number of households using the SPP to around 500,000 by the end of 2027.\n\nThe Government is committed to the current licence fee for the remainder of this Charter and, as such, will not be changing the available concessions at this stage. The BBC remains responsible for the over-75s concession, including the decision to provide free TV licences for over-75s in receipt of pension credit. Given the existing BBC concession, we have no plans to introduce a new Government concession for all pensioners at this time.\n\nLooking further ahead, the Secretary of State has been clear that the BBC must be funded by a model that is sustainable and fair to all those that are paying it. The forthcoming Charter Review is a key opportunity to set the BBC up for success long into the future. It will consider a range of options for funding the BBC, including how they can support the BBC in a way that is sustainable and fair. We are thinking creatively about options for the future, to ensure we future-proof our national broadcaster for many years to come.\n\nIn taking this work forward, the Government will take into account a range of factors such as affordability and fairness when considering the future funding model of the BBC, and what obligations should continue to be placed on members of the public. In doing so the Government will consider existing concessions and whether any new concessions may be justified.  \n\nAs we progress Charter Review we will work closely with the BBC, and engage with other broadcasters, stakeholders across the creative industries as well as the British public to inform our thinking. This will include the opportunity for stakeholders and audiences across the country to respond to the Charter Review public consultation before the new charter comes into effect in 2028.\n\nDepartment for Culture, Media and Sport\n\nThis is a revised response. The Petitions Committee requested a response which more directly addressed the request of the petition. You can find the original response towards the bottom of the petition page (https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/700117)","created_at":"2025-01-14T16:01:36.846Z","updated_at":"2025-02-25T17:27:54.249Z"},"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"DCMS","name":"Department for Culture, Media and Sport","url":""}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":700391,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/700391.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Raise the standard tax-free Personal Allowance to £45,000","background":"The Personal Allowance is the amount of income a person can get before they pay tax. It stands at £12,570 in 2024. We would like the standard Personal Allowance raised to what we think is a more realistic figure of £45,000.","additional_details":"We think that the Personal Allowance, as termed by the government, has been kept unreasonably low for far too long, at the expense of the poorest, most needy people in our society.\r\n\r\nWe feel that the poorer majority should pay substantially less than the wealthy. We think that the tax system seems designed to make the divide between rich and poor increase exponentially.","committee_note":"","state":"closed","signature_count":47717,"created_at":"2024-11-02T05:31:16.275Z","updated_at":"2025-06-11T13:03:08.715Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2024-11-26T10:55:45.332Z","closed_at":"2025-05-26T22:59:59.999Z","moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2024-11-04T14:25:30.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2025-01-03T09:48:00.000Z","government_response_at":"2025-01-14T15:45:53.658Z","debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":null,"rejection":null,"government_response":{"responded_on":"2025-02-03","summary":"The Government has not extended the last Government’s freeze on personal tax thresholds, meaning from April 2028 working people will keep more of their earnings as thresholds will rise by inflation.","details":"The previous Government made the decision to freeze the income tax Personal Allowance (PA) at its current level of £12,570 until April 2028. The current Government is committed to keeping taxes for working people as low as possible while ensuring fiscal responsibility and so, at our first Budget, we decided not to extend the freeze on personal tax thresholds. As a result, they will rise with inflation from April 2028, meaning working people will keep more of their earnings.\n\nThe Government has no plans to increase the Personal Allowance to £45,000. Increasing the Personal Allowance to £45,000 would come at a significant fiscal cost of many tens of billions of pounds per annum. This would reduce tax receipts substantially, decreasing funds available for the UK’s hospitals, schools, and other essential public services that we all rely on. It would also undermine the work the Chancellor has done to restore fiscal responsibility and economic stability, which are critical to getting our economy growing and keeping taxes, inflation, and mortgages as low as possible.\n\nThe Government keeps all taxes under review as part of the policy making process. The Chancellor will announce any changes to the tax system at fiscal events in the usual way.\n\nHM Treasury\n\nThis is a revised response. The Petitions Committee requested a response which more directly addressed the request of the petition. You can find the original response towards the bottom of the petition page (https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/700391)","created_at":"2025-01-14T15:45:53.655Z","updated_at":"2025-02-11T17:49:04.465Z"},"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"HMT","name":"HM Treasury","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-treasury"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":700317,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/700317.json"},"attributes":{"action":"End the Badger cull and adopt other approaches to bovine TB control","background":"The Government’s TB Eradication Strategy allows the continued killing of badgers, a protected species, until the end of this Parliament, despite the Labour manifesto calling the cull “ineffective.”\r\n\r\nWe believe the badger cull is unjustified and must end.","additional_details":"Some research has suggested culling results in a reduction in bovine TB (bTB) in cattle. However, there are concerns about the methodology used. Other research, which has been peer reviewed and published, shows no evidence that culling badgers reduces confirmed bTB in cattle. Over 230,000 badgers — many healthy — have been killed, disrupting ecosystems without solid scientific justification.\r\n\r\nWe call for an immediate end to the cull and the implementation of cattle focused measures to control bTB, rather than what we see as scapegoating wildlife.","committee_note":"","state":"closed","signature_count":102458,"created_at":"2024-11-01T16:28:12.166Z","updated_at":"2026-03-26T10:09:23.381Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2024-11-28T16:23:10.721Z","closed_at":"2025-05-28T22:59:59.999Z","moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2024-11-01T20:34:30.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2024-11-29T12:46:20.000Z","government_response_at":"2025-01-10T14:43:18.894Z","debate_threshold_reached_at":"2025-05-11T20:57:40.000Z","debate_scheduled_on":"2025-09-16","scheduled_debate_date":"2025-10-13","debate_outcome_at":"2025-10-14T09:13:28.429Z","creator_name":null,"rejection":null,"government_response":{"responded_on":"2025-01-10","summary":"Bovine TB has devastated British farmers and wildlife. Work has started on a new eradication strategy to drive down TB rates, protecting cattle and farmers’ livelihoods, and to end the badger cull.","details":"Bovine tuberculosis (TB) has had a devastating impact on British livestock and wildlife. Over the past decade alone, 278,000 cattle have been compulsorily slaughtered and over 230,000 badgers have been killed in efforts to control the disease. \n\nOn 30 August, the government announced the start of work on a comprehensive new strategy to continue to drive down bovine TB rates to save cattle and farmers’ livelihoods and end the badger cull by the end of this parliament. \n\nWorking closely alongside farmers, vets, scientists and conservationists to rapidly strengthen and deploy a range of disease control measures, a key part of the strategy remains the ongoing development of a cattle vaccine, which is at the forefront of innovative solutions to help eradicate this disease.  \n\nField trials of the candidate CattleBCG vaccine and companion test to “Detect Infected among Vaccinated Animals” (the so-called DIVA skin test) started in June 2021 and are on-going. The aim of these trials is to gather further information on the vaccine and the test to support marketing authorisation applications and international recognition. Our aim is to deliver an effective cattle TB vaccination strategy within the next few years to accelerate progress towards achieving Officially Bovine Tuberculosis Free status for England by 2038. \n\nThe work towards a new strategy marks a step-change in approach to tackling this devastating disease. It will consider how we boost cattle testing, reduce the spread of disease through cattle movements, and deploy badger vaccination on a wider, landscape scale. This will build on the independent review of the bovine TB strategy led by Professor Sir Charles Godfray in 2018. \n\nExisting cull processes will be honoured to ensure clarity for farmers involved in these culls whilst new measures can be rolled out. However, the government has decided that it will not be proceeding with the proposals drawn up under the previous government relating to targeted badger culling. That follows careful consideration of the responses received to the public consultation launched earlier this year.\n\nWork to underpin the next phase of policy with robust science has already begun and includes:    \n\n• The first badger population survey in over a decade, to start this winter, to estimate badger abundance and population recovery. \n\n• The development of a new national wildlife TB surveillance programme to provide an up-to-date understanding of disease in badgers and other wildlife such as deer, unlocking a data-driven approach to inform how and where TB vaccines and other eradication measures are deployed. \n\n• Establishment of a new Badger Vaccinator Field Force to increase badger vaccination delivery at pace and create progressively healthier badger populations that are less susceptible to catching and transmitting TB.  \n\n• A badger vaccination study to rapidly analyse the effect of badger vaccination on the incidence of TB in cattle, which in turn will encourage farmers to take part and provide greater confidence that doing so will have a positive effect on their cattle.   \n\nThe strategy announcement ensures the government meets its manifesto commitment and represents a new direction in defeating this disease that will both protect the farming community and preserve wildlife. \n\nDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs","created_at":"2025-01-10T14:43:18.890Z","updated_at":"2025-01-10T14:43:18.890Z"},"debate":{"debated_on":"2025-10-13","transcript_url":"https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2025-10-13/debates/29C3A9F2-021F-4675-BDA1-F7710613DB9A/BovineTuberculosisControlAndBadgerCulling","video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/live/n4cjB_CMl4U?si=FoSJxmweFxItCQaQ","debate_pack_url":"https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cdp-2025-0189/","public_engagement_url":"","debate_summary_url":"https://ukparliament.shorthandstories.com/TB-badger-cull/index.html","overview":""},"departments":[{"acronym":"DEFRA","name":"Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":700557,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/700557.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Ban non-stun slaughter in the UK","background":"In modern society, we believe more consideration needs to be given to animal welfare and how livestock is treated and culled.\r\n\r\nWe believe non-stun slaughter is barbaric and doesn't fit in with our culture and modern-day values and should be banned, as some EU nations have done.","additional_details":"In a landmark case, the European Court of Human Rights has ruled that a ban on the ritual slaughter of animals without prior stunning does not violate the ECHR.\r\n\r\nThe Court considered that the protection of public morals, to which Article 9 of the Convention referred was not indifferent to the living environment of individuals covered by its protection and including animals.","committee_note":"","state":"closed","signature_count":109018,"created_at":"2024-11-03T11:50:06.631Z","updated_at":"2026-04-27T10:00:26.164Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2024-11-21T13:57:34.071Z","closed_at":"2025-05-21T22:59:59.999Z","moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2024-11-04T16:51:50.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2024-12-08T09:11:50.000Z","government_response_at":"2025-01-10T14:30:23.976Z","debate_threshold_reached_at":"2025-05-04T15:32:00.000Z","debate_scheduled_on":"2025-05-23","scheduled_debate_date":"2025-06-09","debate_outcome_at":"2025-06-10T09:10:01.540Z","creator_name":null,"rejection":null,"government_response":{"responded_on":"2025-01-10","summary":"The Government would prefer all animals to be stunned before slaughter. However, we respect the rights of Jews and Muslims to eat meat prepared in accordance with their religious beliefs.","details":"The Government encourages the highest standards of animal welfare at slaughter and would prefer all animals to be stunned before slaughter, but it respects the rights of Jews and Muslims to eat meat prepared in accordance with their religious beliefs.\n\nThe ‘Demonstration of Life Protocol’, an industry-led initiative supported by the Government, provides assurance for Muslim consumers that stunning is compatible with halal slaughter requirements, while protecting the welfare of the animals involved. Therefore, a significant proportion of halal meat comes from animals that are stunned before slaughter.\n\nLegislation sets out the main requirements to protect the welfare of animals at slaughter. There are additional rules that apply when animals are slaughtered without stunning to ensure that animals are spared avoidable pain, suffering, or distress during the slaughter process. Official Veterinarians of the Food Standards Agency are present in all approved slaughterhouses to monitor and enforce these animal welfare requirements.\n\nDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs","created_at":"2025-01-10T14:30:23.972Z","updated_at":"2025-01-10T14:30:23.972Z"},"debate":{"debated_on":"2025-06-09","transcript_url":"https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2025-06-09/debates/27E94862-93C7-4D29-B0DA-F77F92D14161/Non-StunSlaughterOfAnimals","video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/live/R7Anv9XBSPE","debate_pack_url":"https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cdp-2025-0117/","public_engagement_url":"","debate_summary_url":"","overview":""},"departments":[{"acronym":"DEFRA","name":"Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":700014,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/700014.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Decriminalise Abortion","background":"I am calling on the UK government to remove abortion from criminal law so that no pregnant person can be criminalised for procuring their own abortion.","additional_details":"The U.K is out of step with World Health Organization who in 2022 recommended that barriers to abortion such as criminalisation, or approval of others or institutions should be removed. Amnesty International state that abortion is a human rights issue.","committee_note":"","state":"closed","signature_count":103653,"created_at":"2024-10-30T15:10:26.956Z","updated_at":"2025-06-03T09:33:52.174Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2024-11-04T18:02:29.015Z","closed_at":"2025-05-04T22:59:59.999Z","moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2024-10-30T15:19:10.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2024-11-30T21:56:10.000Z","government_response_at":"2024-12-24T10:28:09.288Z","debate_threshold_reached_at":"2025-03-05T13:32:10.000Z","debate_scheduled_on":"2025-05-02","scheduled_debate_date":"2025-06-02","debate_outcome_at":"2025-06-03T09:33:40.676Z","creator_name":null,"rejection":null,"government_response":{"responded_on":"2024-12-23","summary":"All women have a right to access to safe, legal abortions on the NHS.","details":"All women have access to safe, legal abortions on the NHS both in a medical setting and at home, where eligible. In England and Wales, the Abortion Act 1967 defines the criteria under which legal terminations can take place.  The criminal law in relation to procuring an abortion is contained in the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, in particular sections 58 and 59. At this moment the Government has no plans to make changes to these Acts.  \n\nMinistry of Justice","created_at":"2024-12-24T10:28:09.286Z","updated_at":"2024-12-24T10:28:09.286Z"},"debate":{"debated_on":"2025-06-02","transcript_url":"https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2025-06-02/debates/600E3036-7871-4198-BD43-467F710AC5E1/DecriminalisingAbortion","video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/live/BGrkBwK2tiU","debate_pack_url":"https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cdp-2025-0113/","public_engagement_url":"","debate_summary_url":"","overview":""},"departments":[{"acronym":"MoJ","name":"Ministry of Justice","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice"}],"topics":[]}}]}