{"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions.json?state=with_response","first":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions.json?state=with_response","last":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions.json?page=13&state=with_response","next":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions.json?page=2&state=with_response","prev":null},"data":[{"type":"petition","id":765360,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/765360.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Mandate standardised cancer training for all GPs in England","background":"We ask the Government to mandate cancer training for all GPs in England, requiring all GPs to complete mandatory, standardised training on cancer red-flag symptoms, with formal assessment, regular revalidation, NHS England regulation, and GMC linkage to improve early diagnosis.","additional_details":"Early cancer diagnosis saves lives, yet delays in primary care remain. There is no mandatory, standardised training for GPs on cancer red-flag symptoms or reassessment. We call for nationally mandated, assessed, and regularly updated training to improve recognition, reduce delays, and improve patient outcomes, especially for children and young people.","committee_note":"","state":"open","signature_count":12182,"closing_date":"2026-11-01","created_at":"2026-03-25T18:12:06.727Z","updated_at":"2026-06-13T20:39:50.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-05-01T13:24:38.052Z","closed_at":null,"moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2026-03-25T18:27:50.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2026-05-27T14:47:00.000Z","government_response_at":"2026-06-09T09:24:41.265Z","debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":"Natasha Hill","rejection":null,"government_response":{"responded_on":"2026-06-09","summary":"It is crucial that GPs are able to identify cancer symptoms early. Our National Cancer Plan and Jess’s Rule support this. Standards and training for GPs are led by regulatory and professional bodies.","details":"Alongside the relevant bodies which set the standards and training curricula that doctors must follow, the Government is taking action to improve early diagnosis through the National Cancer Plan for England and the introduction of Jess’s Rule. While the requests of the petitioners sit outside the direct remit of Government, we are committed to improving the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of people with cancer of all ages.\n\nThe National Cancer Plan for England, published earlier this year, sets out a comprehensive ten-year strategy to transform cancer outcomes across the country. It focuses on earlier diagnosis, faster treatment, better survival rates, and reducing inequalities in cancer care, with a firmly patient-centred approach.\n\nThe Government’s central ambition is that by 2035, three in four people diagnosed with cancer will be cancer-free or living well five years after diagnosis – up from roughly 60 per cent today. Achieving this would save hundreds of thousands of lives and make England a world leader in cancer survival. Improving outcomes in primary care will play a key role in this.\n\nThrough initiatives in the National Cancer Plan, primary care teams will be equipped to spot signs that could indicate cancer. The Plan commits to continued support for the Gateway C digital training platform. A new generation of digital support tools will help flag concerning symptoms or test results in general practice. In addition, from 2026 we will pilot an incentive encouraging the use of electronic safety netting to increase the number of people who complete checks for bowel cancer.\n\nIn September 2025, we introduced Jess’s Rule in memory of Jess Brady, who passed away due to cancer in December 2020.\n\nJess’s Rule (three strikes and we rethink) encourages GP teams to re-evaluate why the patient’s condition remains unresolved and/or consider why their symptoms are escalating. It promotes consistency of care but also prompts GP teams to consult with one another to jointly reconsider any red flags that have been missed that could point to another diagnosis, and to challenge any assumptions that may have been made based on a patient’s age or demographic.\n\nAs a part of the implementation of Jess’s Rule, the Royal College of General Practitioners, along with the Jessica Brady CEDAR Trust, developed a learning module to support earlier cancer diagnosis in young adults. The Jessica Brady CEDAR Trust have also produced a training video on Jess’s Rule to support the delivery and implementation of the rule.\n\nThe General Medical Council (GMC) is the regulator of all medical doctors, physician assistants (PAs) and physician assistants in anaesthesia (PAAs) (still legally known as anaesthesia associates and physician associates) practising in the UK. It sets and enforces the standards all doctors, PAs and PAAs must adhere to. The GMC is independent of Government, directly accountable to Parliament, and is responsible for operational matters concerning the discharge of its statutory duties.\n\nFrom the academic year 2024-25, the GMC introduced the Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA), which creates a framework for testing the core knowledge, skills, and behaviours of doctors who want to practise in the UK. An updated MLA comes into force for medical students from September 2026. The GMC does not deliver, design, or commission education and training. Each medical college sets its own undergraduate curriculum.\n\nThe training curriculum for postgraduate trainee GPs is set by the Royal College of General Practitioners, and has to meet the standards set by the General Medical Council. The RCGP provides a number of resources on cancer prevention, diagnosis, and care for GPs, relevant for the primary care setting.\n\nAll UK-registered doctors are expected to meet the professional standards set out in the GMC’s Good Medical Practice. In 2012, the GMC introduced revalidation which supports doctors in regularly reflecting on how they can develop or improve their practice, giving patients confidence doctors are up to date with their practice and promoting improved quality of care by driving improvements in clinical governance.\n\nQualified GPs are subject to these revalidation requirements overseen by the GMC with the process led by the RCGP; continuous professional development is a cornerstone of demonstrating suitability to continue to practice safely. For GPs, the RCGP advises that learning stretches across the GP curriculum over the five-year cycle, informed by a wide variety of sources and kept up to date as part of normal professional practice.\n\nGPs are responsible for ensuring their own clinical knowledge remains up to date and for identifying learning needs as part of their continuing professional development. This activity should include taking account of new research and developments in guidance, such as that produced by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, to ensure that they can continue to provide high quality care to all patients.\n\nDepartment of Health and Social Care","created_at":"2026-06-09T09:24:41.262Z","updated_at":"2026-06-09T09:27:52.575Z"},"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":765464,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/765464.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Protect raced greyhounds from exports by introducing spay/neuter laws","background":"Make it law to spay and neuter all raced greyhounds once they finish racing on licensed race tracks to protect them from being shipped around the world to breeding/racing kennels.","additional_details":"There is strong evidence that raced greyhounds can be sold in the guise of pets to countries where there are little to no welfare laws. British raced greyhounds are found in China at breeding/racing kennels. Some rescued and returned to Britain have been found to be emaciated and bred from up until very old age, over 11yrs old. Many are confined to cages for their whole lives. \r\n \r\nI am concerned that the public are led to believe that almost all greyhounds are safely retired into loving homes. Shipping data exists showing the ongoing shipment of greyhounds to breeding facilities in Pakistan where we are concerned that there are outdated welfare laws.\r\n","committee_note":"","state":"open","signature_count":11452,"closing_date":"2026-10-24","created_at":"2026-03-26T14:26:18.573Z","updated_at":"2026-06-13T09:01:10.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-04-24T12:53:32.484Z","closed_at":null,"moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2026-03-26T15:28:10.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2026-05-08T17:46:30.000Z","government_response_at":"2026-06-09T08:36:03.194Z","debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":"Margaret Rita Jones","rejection":null,"government_response":{"responded_on":"2026-06-09","summary":"The government’s animal welfare priorities to 2030 are set in the Animal Welfare Strategy published in December 2025. Defra is not currently considering changes to the neutering or spaying of dogs.","details":"Defra provides advice to dog owners in the Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs, which can be found here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5ac78152ed915d76a04b2da6/pb13333-cop-dogs-091204.pdf. \nThe code recommends that owners of dogs that do not intend to breed their dog can consult their vet to discuss the benefits of neutering.  \n\nMore specifically, the main regulatory body for greyhound racing in Great Britain (the Greyhound Board of Great Britain - GBGB) has a homing policy that requires that where a greyhound is being placed in the care of a homing charity or in a new pet home, the greyhound should be neutered or spayed prior to being transferred to its retirement destination. Furthermore, where a greyhound leaves racing for breeding, GBGB requires the full details of the new kennel/breeding establishment. As with all retirement placements, GBGB requires trainers or owners to carry out due diligence on the breeder and must be confident that they will provide suitable welfare standards. GBGB also works with Greyhound Racing Ireland and the Irish Coursing Club to monitor GBGB-registered greyhounds that travel to Ireland for breeding.\n\nThe government does not believe it necessary to legislate to require dogs to be neutered or spayed in general, or for all racing greyhounds to be neutered or spayed once they leave racing.  There would be several potentially complex welfare issues to consider, such as the impact on the British breeding of greyhounds as well as any effect on inbreeding in greyhounds. The Government’s priorities for animal welfare till 2030 have been set out in the Animal Welfare Strategy published in December 2025. Defra currently has no plans to consider changes to the neutering and spaying of greyhounds or of dogs more generally. \n\nDefra also has very few records of applications for export health certificates to export greyhounds directly to Pakistan or China. Although we are unable to account for any movements of greyhounds abroad that may have transited through a third country first, or have not involved a certificate, there is no reason to suspect that there is significant demand for former racing greyhounds from Great Britain in Pakistan or China\n\nIf further intelligence or evidence emerges that this is a widespread issue, and if there is suspicion that offences related to facilitating this trade are being committed in this country, we would engage immediately with enforcement partners and ensure that appropriate and robust investigations are carried out.\n\nGBGB has stated that it is similarly concerned about any retired greyhounds being exported abroad and it does not support the export of greyhounds to countries where welfare standards cannot be verified.  GBGB have said they will take disciplinary action against anyone licensed with GBGB found knowingly supplying greyhounds to such countries.  \n\nDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs","created_at":"2026-06-09T08:36:03.190Z","updated_at":"2026-06-09T08:36:45.539Z"},"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":764140,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/764140.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Review discharge of mental health patients","background":"Why do we allow people struggling with mental health to be discharged alone. We think this is a huge safeguarding issue and not protecting the vulnerable. A review should consider requiring that patients are discharged into the care of someone. We think this could prevent the loss of lives.","additional_details":"","committee_note":"","state":"open","signature_count":14352,"closing_date":"2026-10-24","created_at":"2026-03-12T18:14:28.793Z","updated_at":"2026-06-13T20:25:00.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-04-24T11:10:12.702Z","closed_at":null,"moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2026-03-12T19:44:30.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2026-05-17T19:42:40.000Z","government_response_at":"2026-06-08T15:06:54.426Z","debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":"Miss Tamsyn Midwinter","rejection":null,"government_response":{"responded_on":"2026-06-08","summary":"The Government agrees that people should be provided with the right support post-discharge, as set out in statutory guidance. There are no plans for a review.","details":"The Government recognises the importance of safe and well-planned discharge from mental health inpatient settings, and the need to ensure that people receive appropriate support as they move back into the community. This is particularly important given that the National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Safety in Mental Health has found there is an increased risk of suicide within three days of discharge.\n\nThe statutory guidance on discharge from mental health inpatient settings, published in 2024, is clear that local areas and commissioners should ensure the right individualised support can be provided post-discharge. This may include commissioning step-down services, specialist supported accommodation, or collaboration with the voluntary and community sector.\n\nIf a person is homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless, hospitals have a duty to refer them to local housing authorities. Local commissioners should consider the needs of people experiencing homelessness being discharged from mental health hospitals, including the commissioning of appropriate accommodation and support upon discharge.\n\nThe Government is also strengthening the legal framework for discharge through reforms to the Mental Health Act. Currently a patient’s responsible clinician can, in law, unilaterally decide to discharge a hospital inpatient from certain powers of the Act. Under the Mental Health Act 2025 they will be required to consult with someone else who has been professionally concerned with the patient’s treatment, whether that be in the hospital or in the community, who is from a different profession from them. This is to ensure a more rounded perspective on the patient’s readiness for discharge from the Act and to align with existing best practice. We will build on this further in secondary legislation and in statutory guidance – including that patients must receive a personalised plan for ensuring their safety before and after discharge, as part of the new statutory care and treatment plan.\n\nThere are no plans to undertake a separate review of the merits of requiring all patients to be discharged into the care of another person. The focus remains on ensuring that existing guidance is consistently implemented and that discharge decisions are tailored to each individual’s needs and circumstances.\n\nDepartment of Health and Social Care","created_at":"2026-06-08T15:06:54.424Z","updated_at":"2026-06-08T15:07:31.546Z"},"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":765130,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/765130.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Fund permanent, 24-hour police patrols in Jewish communities","background":"In the face of a significant rise of antisemitism across the UK, we ask the Government to fund permanent 24-hour police patrols in Jewish communities.","additional_details":"Following the antisemitic attacks, including on voluntary run ambulances that serve the Golders Green Community, we ask that the Government do more than offer what we feel are empty words of solidarity and shock. We believe our community needs a visible and permanent police presence that is on patrol 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We feel closing police stations and reducing police patrols by foot and car play their part in creating a breeding ground where antisemitic attacks are more likely to take place.","committee_note":"","state":"open","signature_count":11410,"closing_date":"2026-10-29","created_at":"2026-03-23T14:47:41.201Z","updated_at":"2026-06-11T18:32:20.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-04-29T12:00:14.671Z","closed_at":null,"moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2026-03-23T15:13:50.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2026-04-30T18:24:40.000Z","government_response_at":"2026-06-05T10:08:38.977Z","debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":"Hannah Messham","rejection":null,"government_response":{"responded_on":"2026-06-04","summary":"At the end of April, we announced a significant increase in investment to protect our Jewish communities, with record funding for policing and security at synagogues, schools and community centres.","details":"The Government announced on 30 April an additional £25 million funding to increase protective security and policing to bolster the immediate response to the Golders Green attack on 29 April.\n\nThe majority of funding (£20 million) will support increased police patrols, including £18 million for the Metropolitan Police Service in recognition of the concentration of attacks in London. A further £2 million has been allocated to the National Police Chiefs’ Council and is available to police forces nationally to protect communities across England and Wales. \n\nA further £4 million will be made available through the Jewish Community Protective Security Grant, administered by the Community Security Trust (CST), which will include funding for the crucial volunteer group, Shomrim, who provide support to local communities via neighbourhood patrols.  \n\nBuilding on the £5 million already announced earlier in April, a further \n£1 million will be invested into the expansion of Project Servator, putting specialist and plain-clothes officers in the community who are trained to spot suspicious activity and identify individuals preparing to commit serious crimes. \n\nThis brings the total funding to £58 million this year – the largest investment the UK Government has ever made in protecting Jewish communities. This funding will go towards increasing police presence and patrols in communities, as well as added protective security in synagogues, schools, and community centres.\n\nIn addition to this focused response, the Government remains committed to rebuilding neighbourhood policing across England and Wales and restoring the vital link between police forces and the communities they serve. By the end of February 2026, forces had delivered more than 3,100 additional police officers and PCSOs into neighbourhood roles since March 2025, strengthening neighbourhood teams as part of our Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee to deliver 13,000 more by the end of this Parliament. Every neighbourhood has named, and contactable officers dedicated to providing visible policing and responding to community concerns. Forces have increased patrols in town centres and other key locations, acting on community intelligence, to prevent harm and tackle crime. \n\nHome Office","created_at":"2026-06-05T10:08:38.967Z","updated_at":"2026-06-05T10:08:38.967Z"},"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"HO","name":"Home Office","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/home-office"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":757502,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/757502.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Introduce national support standards for autistic children with PDA","background":"We urge the Government to recognise the growing cohort of autistic children with a Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) profile who are unable to attend school safely. ","additional_details":"We believe that in demand-heavy, compliance-led settings, they may face escalating crisis, including increased risk of self-harm and suicidal ideation.\r\n \r\nIn our view PDA is inconsistently supported across education, health and local authorities, resulting in many children experiencing preventable crisis. For some children, proximity to mainstream environments triggers crisis; without timely access to low-arousal or alternative learning pathways, risk increases. We ask the Government to strengthen partnerships through improved awareness of PDA-related needs, supported by training and accountability, so children are not required to fail first.","committee_note":"","state":"open","signature_count":15751,"closing_date":"2026-08-20","created_at":"2026-01-17T13:52:23.142Z","updated_at":"2026-06-13T19:57:20.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-02-20T10:51:06.952Z","closed_at":null,"moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2026-01-17T17:33:50.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2026-04-20T21:58:20.000Z","government_response_at":"2026-06-03T16:04:03.326Z","debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":"Tatum Davis","rejection":null,"government_response":{"responded_on":"2026-06-03","summary":"New National Inclusion Standards will set out evidence informed approaches for educators to identify and support children with additional needs, including for autistic children with a PDA profile. ","details":"To ensure teachers can support children before needs escalate, we will develop National Inclusion Standards which will set out the evidence-informed tools, strategies and approaches for educators across the 0-25 system to draw on to identify and support children and young people with additional needs, including autistic children and young people who may have a Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) profile.\n\nAccess to support should not be dependent on a child or young person having a diagnosis. Educators will be able to draw on the National Inclusion Standards to put in place evidence-based support as needs are identified.  \n\nWe will also introduce Specialist Provision Packages which will create a consistent, high-quality offer for children and young people with the most complex needs, which may include some autistic children with PDA, wherever they live.\n\nWe will appoint an independent panel of experts, selected for their skills, knowledge, and professional standing, and led by health and education co-chairs, to design the National Inclusion Standards and Specialist Provision Packages.\n\nBy 2028, we will have invested up to £15 million to strengthen the evidence base for the National Inclusion Standards, so support is effective for all types of need. \n\nNew government-backed research led by UK Research and Innovation will develop and test approaches to early identification, assessment and support that can be embedded in education settings nationwide. Together, these measures are intended to ensure that every child, including autistic children and young people, receive the right support at the right time, helping them to thrive both in education and beyond.\n\nFrom this year, schools will be held to account on the use of their inclusion funding in the form of an Inclusion Strategy. This will ensure schools are taking steps through evidence-based activities and approaches to embed inclusive practice. Ofsted will be able to draw on the strategy to assess how effectively leaders are planning for, implementing and delivering inclusive practice. \n\nWe will roll out a new national training programme supporting educators to identify and respond to children’s needs backed by £200 million investment, to train staff across nurseries, schools and colleges with the first wave of training materials coming online from September.\n\nDepartment for Education","created_at":"2026-06-03T16:04:03.323Z","updated_at":"2026-06-03T16:04:03.323Z"},"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"DfE","name":"Department for Education","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-education"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":754292,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/754292.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":null,"state":"open","signature_count":41702,"closing_date":"2026-07-21","created_at":"2025-12-12T00:05:42.769Z","updated_at":"2026-06-13T21:14:20.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-01-21T11:34:05.619Z","closed_at":null,"moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2025-12-12T18:18:00.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2026-05-17T15:47:40.000Z","government_response_at":"2026-06-02T10:57:15.416Z","debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":"Michael Thompson","rejection":null,"government_response":{"responded_on":"2026-06-01","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 Government believes that public service broadcasting, and the BBC in particular, are vital British assets that support our democracy, bring our communities together, and help 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 set out in legislation and are currently available to people who are registered blind or severely sight impaired, as well as to over-75s in receipt of pension credit, and people living in qualifying residential care who are disabled or over 60 years old. The Government is committed to the current licence fee and its available concessions for the remainder of this Charter period, until the end of 2027. \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 announced a significant extension to the Simple Payment Plan (SPP) in 2024. This allows 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\nMore broadly, the Government is absolutely committed to supporting pensioners and giving them the dignity and security they deserve in retirement. That is why, through our commitment to protect the Triple Lock, over 12 million pensioners will benefit. From the end of this Parliament, spending on the State Pension as a result of our commitment to protect the Triple Lock is forecast to be over £30 billion more a year, compared with 2024/25. This will see pensioners’ yearly incomes rising by up to £2,100. The basic and new State Pensions increased by 4.8% in April, benefitting over 12 million pensioners by up to £575.\n\nThrough the BBC Charter Review we are considering how we ensure the BBC is funded so that it can continue to deliver for all of us, drive the growth of the creative industries, nurture talent, and invest across the whole of the UK. The BBC’s own statistics show 94% of adults use the BBC each month yet fewer than 80% of households pay, contributing to an ongoing pressure on the BBC’s funding which includes the extent to which concessions are possible. The Government has been clear that any future funding model for the BBC should also be fair to audiences and ensure costs to households are kept as low as possible. The Government is keeping an open mind about the future of BBC funding and has not yet identified a preferred model. \n\nWe are also keeping an open mind about new concessions and are considering a range of options to better account for different household situations. As set out in the Charter Review Green Paper, we do not plan to remove any existing concessions. \n\nWe also do not plan to revisit the decision on over-75s licences as the BBC provides a concession for over-75s on pension credit which targets those most in need of support. It was estimated the cost of the TV licence concession for all over-75s could reach around £745 million per annum prior to its amendment in 2020.\n\nThe Government’s public consultation on the Green Paper, which asked people from different communities to be part of the conversation on the future of the BBC, closed on 10 March 2026. The Government is now considering the responses to the public consultation. These will inform policy decisions for the next BBC Royal Charter which will be set out in a White Paper, expected to be published later this year.\n\nDepartment for Culture, Media & Sport","created_at":"2026-06-02T10:57:15.412Z","updated_at":"2026-06-02T11:09:47.136Z"},"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"DCMS","name":"Department for Culture, Media and Sport","url":""}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":765400,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/765400.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Coeliac disease awareness training to be mandatory for all catering industries","background":"Government must require all staff working in a catering service to be provided with basic coeliac disease awareness training, to ensure a set standard of understanding & awareness around the importance of meal preparation & food serving to a person with Coeliac disease including cross-contamination.","additional_details":"Coeliac disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten - a protein found in wheat, barley and rye, triggers an immune response that can significantly damage the small intestines. I have come across many food industries, who offer gluten free options however, are unaware the importance to prepare this separately to avoid cross-contamination. Coeliac is not an allergy but is chronic disorder and should be taken as seriously as any allergy.","committee_note":"","state":"open","signature_count":14457,"closing_date":"2026-10-24","created_at":"2026-03-25T21:56:51.898Z","updated_at":"2026-06-13T20:25:00.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-04-24T09:54:14.797Z","closed_at":null,"moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2026-03-26T05:43:40.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2026-05-08T09:56:30.000Z","government_response_at":"2026-05-29T15:17:19.591Z","debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":"Selina Wallace","rejection":null,"government_response":{"responded_on":"2026-05-29","summary":"The Government believes the current framework, supported by guidance and enforcement, provides proportionate protection, and has no plans to mandate coeliac training for catering staff.","details":"The Government believes that the existing regulatory framework, supported by guidance, training resources and local authority enforcement, provides proportionate and effective protection for people with coeliac disease, and has no plans currently to introduce mandatory coeliac disease awareness training for all catering staff.\n\nThe Government recognises the seriousness of coeliac disease and the importance of ensuring food is prepared and served safely for people who must avoid gluten. Coeliac disease is a lifelong autoimmune condition, and even small amounts of gluten can cause harm, including through cross contamination during food preparation.\n\nUnder UK law, food business operators must ensure that staff training is appropriate to the type of food handled, including high-risk foods such as those containing allergens or gluten. Food handlers must be supervised, instructed and/or trained in food hygiene matters commensurate with their work activities, in line with the Food Safety Act 1990 and Assimilated Regulation (EC) No 852/2004. Businesses must also comply with the Food Information Regulations 2014, which cover the provision of allergen information to consumers.\n\nWhile there is no standalone legal requirement for allergen specific or coeliac specific training, food businesses are required to have effective allergen management systems in place, including means to understand and control the risks of cross contamination. The responsibility for ensuring appropriate training sits with the food business operator, and local authorities assess its adequacy during inspections to ensure compliance with allergen management requirements. Local authorities are responsible for enforcing food safety and allergen legislation and are supported by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland through the Food Law Code of Practice, guidance, and enforcement tools.\n\nThe FSA supports food businesses in meeting their obligations through a wide range of guidance and tools. This includes free online food allergy and intolerance training, allergen guidance for food businesses, and technical guidance on food allergen labelling, all of which include considerations relevant to gluten free food and coeliac disease. The FSA also promotes best practice through targeted campaigns and resources, such as Safer Food Better Business (SFBB), which include guidance on allergen risks and cross-contact.\n\nIn March 2025, the FSA published best practice guidance on providing allergen information when eating out. It recommends that allergen information be provided in writing, supported by a verbal conversation with the customer. The guidance was developed with stakeholders including food businesses, local authorities, allergy charities and people with food hypersensitivities. An evaluation is planned for 2026 to assess its impact and inform future improvements, such as training and support for food businesses.\n\nAlthough gluten itself is not listed separately as one of the 14 regulated allergens, cereals containing gluten are included. Food businesses may voluntarily label products as ‘gluten-free’ if they meet the legal threshold of 20 parts per million or fewer. They must be able to verify such claims and manage cross-contamination risks so that food is safe for people with coeliac disease.\n\nThe Government will continue to keep allergen and food hypersensitivity policy under review in light of emerging evidence, evaluation findings, and ongoing engagement with stakeholders, including people with food hypersensitivities.\n\nDepartment of Health and Social Care","created_at":"2026-05-29T15:17:19.588Z","updated_at":"2026-05-29T15:17:19.588Z"},"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":760061,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/760061.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Ban foreign media ownership, enact a social media levy & new regulatory reform","background":"Pass law to ban foreign & offshore ownership of UK media, enact a social-media levy to distribute media ownership across society & fund independent, local & cooperative-owned media. We believe democracy is failing as the media & political power are owned by a tiny rich elite.","additional_details":"We also call the Government to introduce new regulatory reforms, including requiring all media in the UK to be members of a statutory regulator and requiring media-covered think-tanks to report donations in real time. We believe we need to take back control of media ownership for the British people and that media should be free from offshore ownership and think tanks who accept dark money. Media ownership should reflect ALL of society not just the rich.","committee_note":"","state":"open","signature_count":17866,"closing_date":"2026-09-18","created_at":"2026-02-05T09:23:48.466Z","updated_at":"2026-06-13T20:29:20.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-03-18T16:44:26.729Z","closed_at":null,"moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2026-02-05T15:47:10.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2026-05-11T16:58:10.000Z","government_response_at":"2026-05-26T10:47:11.787Z","debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":"Donnachadh McCarthy","rejection":null,"government_response":{"responded_on":"2026-05-26","summary":"The Government is committed to supporting a free and fair press. The media mergers regime bans foreign state influence and ownership. There are no current plans for a statutory press regulator.","details":"The Foreign State Influence (FSI) media merger regime prevents foreign powers controlling, influencing or owning UK newspapers. It includes a mechanism for the DCMS Secretary of State to block or unwind transactions which would enable a foreign power to influence or control a UK newspaper.\n\nThe regime is not intended to prevent any and all inward investment in the sector from overseas, which would be disproportionate. However, it is proportionate to have specific protections for newspapers, due to the unique role they play in our democracy and society. The accurate provision of news is essential to inform debate and opinion and support social cohesion. \n\nThe Government recognises challenges to the sustainability of the local news sector, including smaller independent publishers, and is taking steps to support it through the Local Media Action Plan. A key pillar of the Plan is a Local News Fund, worth up to £12million in the next 2 years, which will help local media outlets digitally innovate and revive a local news presence in local news deserts. \n\nA social media levy is not currently under consideration as a mechanism for funding distribution of media ownership. The existing Digital Services Tax (DST) is a 2 percent tax to ensure that providers of search engines, social media platforms, and online marketplaces pay UK tax on digital services that reflects the value they derive from UK user-related activities. DST was introduced as an interim solution to the challenges posed by the digitalisation of the economy to the international corporate tax framework.\n\nThere are currently no plans to introduce a statutory regulator for the UK press. In the UK there is a self-regulatory system for the press, which is independent from Government. Having a free and fair press is vital to ensure the public has access to accurate and trustworthy information from a range of different sources. To protect this freedom, the Government does not intervene in or oversee the work of the press or the independent press regulators.\n\nWe are also clear that with this freedom comes responsibility, and publishers must operate within the bounds of the law and set and uphold high professional and ethical standards. This includes ensuring access to clear, timely and effective routes to redress.\n\nRegarding think tanks, it is for each individual think tank to determine whether to declare its sources of funding. Think tanks with charitable status must follow Charity Commission guidance, ensuring political activity remains subsidiary and exclusively furthers their charitable purposes. Electoral law already covers think tanks that donate or spend during regulated election periods.\n\nThe Government welcomes Philip Rycroft’s comprehensive and thoughtful report on foreign financial interference in our democracy. The review sets out 17 wide-ranging recommendations to tackle foreign financial interference in the UK’s political and electoral systems, and the Government will reflect swiftly on how best to take these forward, given their technical nature. A full written response will be provided in due course. \n\nDepartment for Culture, Media and Sport","created_at":"2026-05-26T10:47:11.784Z","updated_at":"2026-05-26T10:47:11.784Z"},"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"DCMS","name":"Department for Culture, Media and Sport","url":""}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":764402,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/764402.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Deport all foreign-born criminals & individuals on the terror watchlist","background":"Deport all foreign-born criminals and individuals currently on the terror watchlist to their countries of origin with effect immediately.","additional_details":"We believe the British people do not need to pay for this, and in an ever-changing World, should not be subjected to having these people as neighbours.","committee_note":"","state":"open","signature_count":12478,"closing_date":"2026-10-27","created_at":"2026-03-15T16:58:16.561Z","updated_at":"2026-06-13T21:15:00.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-04-27T09:55:42.217Z","closed_at":null,"moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2026-03-22T10:54:50.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2026-05-03T22:29:10.000Z","government_response_at":"2026-05-26T08:30:02.370Z","debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":"Alexander Bhagat","rejection":null,"government_response":{"responded_on":"2026-05-22","summary":"The Government is determined to deport all foreign national offenders. Deportation will be used, against them and those whose deportation is otherwise considered to be conducive to the public good.","details":"The Government is clear foreign nationals who abuse our hospitality by committing crimes should be in no doubt of our determination to deport them.  Under the UK Borders Act 2007, a deportation order must be made where a foreign national has been convicted of an offence and received a custodial sentence of at least 12 months. This includes suspended sentences. This duty is subject to several exceptions, including where to do so would breach a person’s rights under the European Convention on Human Rights or the UK’s obligations under the Refugee Convention. \n\nWhere the threshold for deportation under the UK Borders Act 2007 is not met, deportation is considered under the Immigration Act 1971 on the ground it is conducive to the public good.  This includes where a foreign national has a conviction for an offence that caused serious harm, if they are a persistent offender or if they pose a threat to national security. \n\nA deportation order prevents an individual from lawfully re-entering the UK whilst it remains in force. \n\nThe Home Office uses various tools (including domestic and international watchlists) to detect and disrupt travel by terrorists, criminals, those previously deported or excluded from the UK and individuals using lost, stolen or revoked documents and visas. The Home Office works with both law enforcement and wider government partners to ensure appropriate action is taken before travel or at the border when individuals of concern are identified. \n\nHome Office","created_at":"2026-05-26T08:30:02.368Z","updated_at":"2026-05-26T08:30:44.239Z"},"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"HO","name":"Home Office","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/home-office"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":763161,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/763161.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Change surrogacy law to recognise intended parents from birth","background":"The law must change so intended parents in surrogacy arrangements are recognised as their child’s legal parents from birth. Families should not have to go through months of court proceedings and social worker visits to be recognised as the parents of a child they planned and love.","additional_details":"When our daughter was born through surrogacy, we became dads the moment we held her. But under current law, the surrogate is automatically recognised as the legal mother (and if she is married, her spouse is recorded as the legal father) even with no biological connection or intention to parent the child.\r\nIntended parents must then go through a lengthy court process to become their child’s legal parents. In 2026 we believe this is outdated. The law needs to recognise intended parents from birth.","committee_note":"","state":"open","signature_count":111190,"closing_date":"2026-10-10","created_at":"2026-03-04T14:47:30.231Z","updated_at":"2026-06-13T21:06:30.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-04-10T09:37:34.074Z","closed_at":null,"moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2026-03-04T16:24:00.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2026-04-26T08:40:40.000Z","government_response_at":"2026-05-20T08:24:22.405Z","debate_threshold_reached_at":"2026-04-28T16:53:20.000Z","debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":"Adam Frisby","rejection":null,"government_response":{"responded_on":"2026-05-20","summary":"We acknowledge delays to legal parenthood can cause uncertainty. The Government has no current plans to review surrogacy laws but will look to consider this in the future as time and capacity allows.","details":"The Government supports surrogacy as a part of assisted conception options, and recognises the important part it can play in supporting people seeking to start a family. Parliament has decided that altruistic surrogacy arrangements are legally allowed to take place under the Surrogacy Arrangements Act 1985.\n\nWe recognise that surrogacy is a complex and sensitive policy issue, where detail matters to all those involved in a surrogacy arrangement, in particular the important issue of legal parenthood. We know that surrogacy is a crucial route to family formation for many LGBTQ+ people, particularly male same-sex couples, and that the current pathway and delay to legal parenthood can cause uncertainty.\n\nLegal parenthood at birth rests with the surrogate (and their spouse/partner, if applicable). The intended parent(s) must apply to the court for a parental order after birth to become the child’s legal parents, under the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Acts 1990 and 2008. This framework applies equally to heterosexual couples, same‑sex couples, and single intended parents.\n\nThe Department of Health and Social Care supported a multi-year joint project of the Law Commission for England and Wales and the Scottish Law Commission to review the current surrogacy laws. The Law Commissions consulted widely on this topic, which generated a wide diversity of views, and we welcome their comprehensive report. The Government does not intend to put forward the Law Commissions’ legislative proposals at this time, owing to the limited time available to introduce new legislation. We will publish a Government response as time and capacity allows and will look to consider this issue in the future.\n\nAnyone considering surrogacy in the United Kingdom should read and consider Department of Health and Social Care guidance, which is available at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/having-a-child-through-surrogacy/the-surrogacy-pathway-surrogacy-and-the-legal-process-for-intended-parents-and-surrogates-in-england-and-wales\n\nThe Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has published advice for those considering surrogacy overseas, which is available at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/surrogacy-overseas/surrogacy-overseas. This clearly sets out the possible risks and the processes for returning to the United Kingdom with a child born through an international surrogacy arrangement.\n\nDepartment of Health and Social Care","created_at":"2026-05-20T08:24:22.401Z","updated_at":"2026-05-20T08:25:00.470Z"},"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":759783,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/759783.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Make a public animal abuser register & automatically ban ownership","background":"Create a public register of all offenders convicted of animal abuse and introduce an automatic, lifetime ban on animal ownership for anyone convicted of animal neglect or abuse. This register should be searchable by vets, breeders, charities and the public to prevent repeat offending.","additional_details":"I clean homes for free for people in need and regularly witness animals suffering under owners with a history for animal neglect or abuse. Currently, bans are discretionary and there is no public register. Abusers can continue acquiring animals. A mandatory ban and register could prevent repeat cruelty and break cycles of harm. Additionally, an immediate automatic lifetime ban could prevent animal ownership being at a judge’s discretion.","committee_note":"","state":"open","signature_count":231019,"closing_date":"2026-09-12","created_at":"2026-02-03T12:04:15.845Z","updated_at":"2026-06-13T21:12:00.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-03-12T17:01:57.173Z","closed_at":null,"moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2026-02-03T12:51:50.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2026-04-02T17:17:30.000Z","government_response_at":"2026-05-19T14:22:00.374Z","debate_threshold_reached_at":"2026-04-03T22:06:10.000Z","debate_scheduled_on":"2026-06-09","scheduled_debate_date":"2026-06-29","debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":"Bea Elton","rejection":null,"government_response":{"responded_on":"2026-05-19","summary":"The government has no plans to introduce an animal abuse register, or an automatic lifetime ban for animal abusers because we already have similar provisions in place.","details":"The government does not think it would be appropriate to introduce a publicly accessible animal cruelty register. The majority of the population comply with our high animal welfare laws. In the upsetting and unacceptable instances where these laws are violated or repeatedly violated, we already have these offences recorded.  \n\nAll prosecutions for animal cruelty offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 are currently stored on the Police National Computer. This information may be shared with appropriate organisations. In cases of concern, the information may be shared with the public when requested, at the Police’s discretion. \n\nIt is important that access to this information is restricted, to protect the information from misuse while ensuring it is available for organisations with a justified need to access the information. This is consistent with the government’s approach to the Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme and Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme.\n\nThe government does not think it is appropriate to introduce an automatic lifetime ban for animal abusers. Post conviction sentencing powers under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 already include disqualification orders, which can include a lifetime ban, which prevent individuals convicted of animal cruelty from owning, keeping, or participating in the care of animals. Where police or local authorities have concerns that a person subject to a disqualification order may be breaching it, they are able to carry out checks and take appropriate enforcement action.\n\nWhile we note the frustration that disqualification orders are discretionary, it is important that justice is reviewed on a case-by-case basis to remain fair. This is the responsibility of our independent courts and judiciary. The Sentencing Council provides guidelines to support these decisions.\n\nThe government does recognise that there is a disparity in the law between penalties for cruelty to wildlife and similar incidents that involve pet or companion animals and livestock abuse offences. To address this, in the government’s Animal Welfare Strategy, published in December 2025, we committed to review and look to strengthen penalties for cruelty against wildlife so that they are consistent with the higher levels of sentencing available for animal welfare offences against pets and livestock.\n\nDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs","created_at":"2026-05-19T14:22:00.371Z","updated_at":"2026-05-19T14:22:52.450Z"},"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":750817,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/750817.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Allow small pets to travel in the cabin on flights entering the UK","background":"Allow airlines, under DEFRA guidance, to offer an in-cabin travel option for small, fully documented pets on flights entering the UK, in line with international standards for other countries.","additional_details":"Many countries, including within the EU, USA, Canada, and Ireland, generally allow small, vaccinated, and microchipped pets to travel safely in the cabin, though requirements vary between different countries and airlines. The UK requires cargo travel even for very small animals, which can be stressful for the pets and costly for their owners. I believe allowing an in-cabin option would improve welfare and align the UK more closely with widely used global practices while maintaining biosecurity.","committee_note":"","state":"open","signature_count":19004,"closing_date":"2026-08-02","created_at":"2025-11-15T09:53:34.595Z","updated_at":"2026-06-13T19:12:30.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-02-02T08:31:19.684Z","closed_at":null,"moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2025-12-03T01:02:00.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2026-04-21T08:17:00.000Z","government_response_at":"2026-05-13T12:29:38.301Z","debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":"Eirini Zartaloudi","rejection":null,"government_response":{"responded_on":"2026-05-13","summary":"All pets entering GB must be checked for compliance with our biosecurity requirements. Complex operational arrangements at airports mean that most pets must travel in the hold to facilitate this.   ","details":"The Government takes the importation of pets seriously and is committed to preserving high standards of biosecurity and animal welfare. We understand that many pet owners would like to travel with their pets in the aircraft cabin to Great Britain (GB). However, this needs to be balanced against our biosecurity requirements and the operational complexities of conducting various border controls at airports.\n\nAll pets (cats, dogs and ferrets) travelling into GB must be checked for compliance with the necessary health and documentary requirements prior to entry. This includes checking that the relevant rabies vaccination and tapeworm treatment requirements have been met. Rabies is a lethal disease in unvaccinated people and animals. GB is rabies free due to our high standards of biosecurity, and it is very much in the interests of humans and animals here that we protect our disease-free status and therefore the population.\n\nCurrent operational arrangements at GB airports mean that most pets must travel in the hold to ensure that these checks are carried out. To facilitate these checks, all pets entering airports in GB must be transported safely and securely to the pet checking facility which is separate to the passenger terminals. Operations at airports are sensitive and complex, and other vital border controls must be considered as part of their operational processes.\n\nIn practice, this means that most pets are required to travel to GB by air as ‘manifest cargo’. This enables the pets to be transferred directly to the pet checking facility and not through the main airport terminal. This approach ensures that a documentary record of the pet’s arrival is available to customs and other border control officials.\n\nWhere animals are transported in the hold, there are rigorous requirements in place to make sure that their welfare needs are met during transport. Carriers must make sure that air quality and quantity, temperature and pressure is maintained whilst the animals are onboard. The length of journey determines how much food and water must also be provided. Stringent requirements are also in place for pet transport containers under the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animals Regulations (LAR), with space and ventilation concerns paramount.\n\nCurrently, the only animals that are authorised to travel in the cabin of a commercial aircraft into GB are Recognised Assistance Dogs. The number of Recognised Assistance Dogs in the cabin will be determined by the airline and may be restricted for health and safety reasons depending on passenger information and numbers.\n\nThe Government is content that the existing pet travel arrangement ensures the necessary import checks have been conducted to safeguard our domestic biosecurity and maintain animal welfare standards whilst working within the complex operational arrangements of an airport. \n\nDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs","created_at":"2026-05-13T12:29:38.298Z","updated_at":"2026-05-13T12:29:38.298Z"},"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":759478,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/759478.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Abolish the Casey Commission into adult social care","background":"We believe the Casey Commission is a barrier to desperately needed social care reform, a delaying mechanism and a waste of taxpayer’s money. We want the Government to abolish the commission and instead focus on resolving the social care crisis, preferably on a cross-party basis.","additional_details":"Social care is in crisis. It is estimated that around 2 million people over 65 are not getting the support they need and estimates of around 11% of hospital beds filled with people ready for discharge. We feel the Commission was never needed, as there have been at least 25 other inquiries since 1997, with multiple public consultations. We feel all the options for reform and funding options are already in the public domain. The Government should abolish the Commission and act now.","committee_note":"","state":"open","signature_count":10923,"closing_date":"2026-09-13","created_at":"2026-01-31T13:40:37.388Z","updated_at":"2026-06-13T14:09:30.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-03-13T09:33:53.708Z","closed_at":null,"moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2026-01-31T16:08:00.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2026-04-22T08:29:20.000Z","government_response_at":"2026-05-12T07:07:29.924Z","debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":"Dennis Reed","rejection":null,"government_response":{"responded_on":"2026-05-11","summary":"The Government will not abolish the Casey Commission. Social care needs long-term reform that people agree on. The Commission is building that consensus while the Government makes improvements now.","details":"Adult social care needs deep reform. There have been plenty of good ideas and attempts over the years from political parties of all colours to try and solve the complex and deep-rooted issues that exist. However, despite numerous inquiries, consultations and reform efforts, the fundamental issue of social care has been considered ‘too difficult’ for far too long. Care of our most vulnerable is too important, and with ever increasing demand for adult social care services, we cannot afford to allow this to happen any longer.\n\nThat is why the Independent Commission on Adult Social Care, which is independent of the Government and chaired by Baroness Louise Casey, is so vital. It is building national and political consensus by working with people who draw on care and their families, staff, political parties, parliamentarians, local government and the public, private and third sectors, so that it can recommend a long-term vision for a national care service that transforms adult social care and works for everyone for decades to come. The Prime Minister’s request of Baroness Casey to facilitate a national conversation and political consensus on the future of reform sets it apart from inquiries and consultations previously delivered.\n\nThe Commission has already made significant progress. Baroness Casey and her secretariat have carried out extensive engagement to gain a deep understanding of social care and hear from those with first-hand experience of the system, speaking with over 400 people and organisations from across the country. Baroness Casey has also held the first cross-party engagement on adult social care reform, setting us on the path to achieve political consensus for long-term reform.\n\nThe Commission is not a barrier to reform and is instead helping to drive reform. Baroness Casey has made clear that she will not wait to recommend action where she sees fit, which is why on 5 March she called for immediate action on three important areas: safeguarding, dementia, and motor neurone disease. The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has set out how the Government will take these actions forward, and the Department for Health and Social Care is already working at pace to deliver them.\n\nLater this year, the Commission will launch its national conversation to build public consensus on the future of social care, and its first report will be published, setting out recommended reforms to address immediate priorities for adult social care.\n\nAlongside the Commission’s work, the Government is already taking action to improve people’s experience of care and support now, with over £4.6 billion of additional funding to be made available for adult social care in 2028/29 compared to 2025/26.\n\nWe are enabling people to have more choice and control over their care by supporting independence, including through record investment in the Disabled Facilities Grant. This year, £723 million is being invested to help older and disabled people live independently in their own homes for longer. We are also setting new national standards for care technologies and producing trusted guidance, so that people can confidently buy and use technology which supports them or the people they care for.\n\nWe are joining up social care with health and wider services by developing neighbourhood health services, so people experience coordinated, person-centred care that enables timely discharge from hospital. Alongside this, we are driving forward action to ensure that social care providers are fully digitised by the end of this Parliament, improving the safety and effectiveness of care and helping care professionals work more seamlessly alongside other health professionals. Our Digitising Social Care Programme has supported 83% of Care Quality Commission-registered care providers to use digital social care records, saving 30 million hours per year to reinvest in better care.\n\nAnd we are improving the quality of care by valuing and supporting the workforce, including by legislating for the first ever Adult Social Care Fair Pay Agreement – backed by £500 million of new investment – and expanding career opportunities through the Care Workforce Pathway. We are also strengthening how we assure the quality of social care delivered by local authorities. Since 2023, the Care Quality Commission has been assessing how well local authorities are meeting their Care Act duties – and, ultimately, the needs of local people – with reports for over 100 published and all 153 due later this summer. Where shortcomings are identified, the Department of Health and Social Care is taking action, providing intensive support to drive improvement.\n\nTogether, these reforms are laying the foundations for a national care service, improving people’s experience of care and support today whilst setting the direction for lasting, system wide change informed by the Commission.\n\nDepartment of Health and Social Care","created_at":"2026-05-12T07:07:29.921Z","updated_at":"2026-05-12T07:07:29.921Z"},"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":764785,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/764785.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Support the Ceramics Industry and protect British manufacturing jobs and skills","background":"Apply energy intensive industry relief (Supercharger scheme) to the ceramics industry to help cut soaring industrial energy costs & support ceramics businesses, which are at the risk of imminent collapse without urgent intervention, as seen with Denby Pottery registering for administration support.","additional_details":"Urgently review the British Industrial Supercharger and expand it to include the ceramics industry within its remit, and produce a policy statement about the Government’s policy to protect and support industry and jobs.","committee_note":"","state":"open","signature_count":108473,"closing_date":"2026-10-17","created_at":"2026-03-19T10:58:30.234Z","updated_at":"2026-06-13T21:13:10.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-04-17T10:31:36.749Z","closed_at":null,"moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2026-03-19T11:11:10.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2026-04-17T19:42:50.000Z","government_response_at":"2026-05-11T14:11:06.936Z","debate_threshold_reached_at":"2026-06-07T07:20:50.000Z","debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":"Hayley Baddiley","rejection":null,"government_response":{"responded_on":"2026-05-11","summary":"The Government intends to publicly consult on the eligibility of the British Industry Supercharger this year. However, consultation outcomes, including future sector inclusion, cannot be pre-empted.","details":"The British Industry Supercharger delivers targeted relief to eligible energy-intensive industries (EIIs) for their electricity policy and network costs on the basis of their high exposure to carbon leakage, the offshoring of production and jobs to overseas competitors who do not face equivalent climate change policy controls.\n\nThe current list of eligible sectors is set out in secondary legislation under the Electricity Supplier Obligations (Amendment & Excluded Electricity) Regulations 2015 (as amended), the Electricity Capacity (Supplier Payment etc.) (Amended and Excluded Electricity) Regulations 2024, and the Energy-Intensive Industry Electricity Support Payments and Levy Regulations 2024) (as amended).\n\nThe Department for Business and Trade (DBT) intends to review the eligibility criteria for the British Industry Supercharger this year, as referred to in the Minister for Industry’s response to a parliamentary question (UIN 128253) tabled on 20 April 2026, to ensure that current government policy remains targeted, effective and proportionate. However, any changes to eligibility criteria under the scheme are subject to public consultation, and approval from the UK Parliament and government ministers. While an exact date has not been provided as to when this consultation will begin, DBT encourages the ceramics sector to engage with this review and submit all relevant evidence when the opportunity arises.\n\nThe Government has set out its actions to support UK industry and boost economic growth in our Modern Industrial Strategy. Through targeted support to IS-8 and frontier industries, the Government will improve resilience of supply chains, increase trading opportunities, and reduce regulatory burdens. Support to these strategic sectors will not only improve economic growth but also create jobs up and down the country. However, all industries will have a role to play in revitalising our economy.\n\nThe Government recognises the importance of the ceramics sector to many communities, particularly the deep importance of the tableware industry to Stoke-on-Trent. The ceramics industry has faced difficult economic circumstances, exacerbated by an uncertain geopolitical environment. The Government will continue to engage with the industry, trade unions and the sector’s main trade association, Ceramics UK, to better understand their challenges and explore how they can best be supported.\n\nDepartment for Business and Trade","created_at":"2026-05-11T14:11:06.933Z","updated_at":"2026-05-11T14:11:06.933Z"},"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"BT","name":"Department for Business and Trade","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-business-and-trade"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":764553,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/764553.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Remove sentence reductions for guilty pleas in controlling and coercive cases","background":"I want the Government to introduce legislation so that defendants charged with controlling or coercive behaviour cannot receive a sentencing reduction for a guilty plea entered after initially pleading not guilty. This should be known as Paris’s Law.","additional_details":"Victims of coercive control often wait months or years for trial, reliving trauma while preparing evidence. Defendants may plead not guilty, then change to guilty at the last moment and still receive a reduced sentence. This can feel like continued abuse, prolonging distress and undermining justice. I believe late guilty pleas in these cases should not receive sentence reductions, as it prolongs suffering, including the suffering I have personally experienced","committee_note":"","state":"open","signature_count":103710,"closing_date":"2026-10-21","created_at":"2026-03-17T07:09:07.101Z","updated_at":"2026-06-13T20:12:00.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-04-21T08:18:36.628Z","closed_at":null,"moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2026-03-17T07:44:40.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2026-04-27T11:43:00.000Z","government_response_at":"2026-05-11T12:23:00.347Z","debate_threshold_reached_at":"2026-05-18T17:43:40.000Z","debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":"Paris Shears","rejection":null,"government_response":{"responded_on":"2026-05-11","summary":"Guilty pleas given later in the process can still benefit victims and the administration of justice but are reflected by a substantially lower reduction in sentence.","details":"Controlling or coercive behaviour is a particularly insidious form of domestic abuse and we recognise the long-term emotional and psychological distress it can cause.  In our manifesto, we committed to ensuring policing have the right skills and training to respond appropriately to victims of VAWG. In February 2025, the Home Office announced £13.1 million funding to launch a new National Centre for VAWG and Public Protection (NCVPP) to act on this. The Centre will improve the response to violence against women and girls, creating a change in policing attitudes to ensure that officers respond effectively to VAWG crimes, including controlling or coercive behaviour, and offer victims consistent protection. \n\nAs of 3 February 2025, offenders convicted of controlling or coercive behaviour, and sentenced to 12 months or longer, are now automatically managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA). MAPPA requires cooperative working between the police, probation, and prison services to manage the risks posed by the most serious offenders. This change recognises the significant harm this kind of offending can cause by putting controlling or coercive behaviour, on par with other forms of domestic abuse. \n\nWe also recognise that understanding of controlling or coercive behaviour has evolved significantly since the statutory guidance was published in 2023. As part of the recently published Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) strategy, the government has committed to updating the controlling or coercive behaviour statutory guidance by the end of 2026. This will reflect the latest policy and practice, as well as new and emerging issues. \n\nIn relation to reductions in sentencing, it has long been the practice of the courts to give a reduction in sentence where a defendant pleads guilty. A guilty plea avoids the need for a trial (enabling cases to be dealt with quickly), shortens the gap between charge and sentence, and, in the case of an early plea, saves victims and witnesses from the concern about having to give evidence.\n\nThe Sentencing Guidelines set by the Sentencing Council provide a sliding scale of reductions depending on the point at which the plea is made. The maximum reduction for a plea at the first stage of proceedings is a third. The discount falls to a maximum of a tenth when the offender pleads on the first day of the trial. The reduction will normally be decreased further, even to zero, if the guilty plea is entered during the course of the trial.\n\nWe recognise that guilty pleas made earlier in the process can save victims and witnesses from the concern of having to give evidence, particularly in cases involving controlling or coercive behaviour. However, even if an offender pleads later in the process, this can still save victims from giving potentially highly traumatic evidence, but the later plea is reflected by a substantially lower reduction in the sentence. \n\nMinistry of Justice","created_at":"2026-05-11T12:23:00.341Z","updated_at":"2026-05-11T12:23:40.112Z"},"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"MoJ","name":"Ministry of Justice","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":760485,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/760485.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Require all emergency services to record staff suicides","background":"There is no mandatory system for recording suicides among emergency service staff, which could lead to underreporting and opportunities for prevention. Mandatory recording could reveal the true scale of the problem and enable effective, evidence-based support to protect those who protect the public.","additional_details":"I want the government to do this because without mandatory recording, I believe the true scale of suicides among emergency service staff is hidden, patterns are missed, and opportunities to prevent deaths are lost. I believe accurate data is essential to create effective mental health support, policies, and protections for those who risk their lives to protect the public.","committee_note":"","state":"open","signature_count":14551,"closing_date":"2026-09-24","created_at":"2026-02-08T21:46:00.106Z","updated_at":"2026-06-12T18:09:50.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-03-24T09:36:34.732Z","closed_at":null,"moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2026-02-08T22:35:30.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2026-04-10T19:02:10.000Z","government_response_at":"2026-05-08T09:07:19.497Z","debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":"Hannah Cooper","rejection":null,"government_response":{"responded_on":"2026-05-08","summary":"The Government is committed to supporting all emergency service workers. We recognise the variances in suicide data collection and are taking steps to improve this for ambulance services and police.","details":"The Government is committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of all emergency service workers. Nearly every emergency services professional will be touched by suicide in some way during their career – whether through the loss of a patient, colleague or personal mental health struggles. The Government recognises the demanding nature of working in emergency settings, and that staff may require more complex mental wellbeing support due to the traumatic nature of their jobs.\n\nAmbulance services\n\nThe National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Safety in Mental Health (NCISH) has been commissioned by NHS England to establish a national data collection on suicide by NHS staff. The commission runs from May 2023 to June 2026 with the principal aim of establishing a comprehensive data collection to be conducted on NHS staff who die by suicide.\n\nAs part of this work, NCISH will align NHS trust data collection with staff wellbeing, by developing a web resource to support staff wellbeing and to provide postvention guidance and examples of good practice, as well as information about the project. Additionally, NCISH are establishing a Standard Operating Procedure for Human Resources (HR) departments, designed to address the key queries raised by pilot HR professionals about engaging with this work, and provide a model for case ascertainment and completion of online data collection. The project will conclude in June 2026, and a report will be published setting out the findings and proposed next steps.\n\nAdditional information on the commission can be found on the NCISH website at the following link: https://sites.manchester.ac.uk/ncish/resources/suicide-in-nhs-staff-a-national-data-collection-to-inform-prevention/\n\nThe data collection on suicide by NHS staff will not be mandatory for NHS trusts. However, it marks an important step in improving understanding of the problem and will help to inform an evidence-based approach to health and wellbeing support, as well as helping prevent future deaths. The Association of Chief Executives and the Office of the Chief Allied Health Professional Officer have also launched a series of resources aimed at supporting the health and wellbeing of ambulance sector staff and preventing suicide in the ambulance service.\n\nPolice\n\nThis Government recognises that the current data on police officer suicides can be improved and is actively looking at ways to strengthen the quality and consistency of this information. We are already taking steps to improve data collection through existing mechanisms, including recent action by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) to introduce mandatory suicide data collection across police forces, while continuing to explore what more can be done.\n\nThe Police Reform White Paper represents a significant opportunity to go further. By strengthening the Police Covenant and introducing mandatory national wellbeing standards, this Government will provide a clear and proportionate framework that builds on recent NPCC-led developments, improving police suicide data collection and ensuring consistent expectations across forces.\n\nFire and Rescue\n\nThe Fire and Rescue National Framework sets out that fire and rescue authorities (FRAs) should support the continuous improvement of their workforce. This includes promoting mental and physical wellbeing, advancing equality and diversity, and ensuring access to appropriate training and development.\n\nAs employers, FRAs are ultimately responsible for the health and wellbeing of firefighters. The Framework directs all FRAs to have a people strategy that outlines the mental and physical health support available to their workforce.\n\nThe National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) promotes good mental health across the sector through its Health and Wellbeing Framework. As part of this, the NFCC supported by Government grant funding has developed a Postvention Toolkit for the fire and rescue workforce.\n\nDeveloped by the NFCC’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Working Group in collaboration with the Fire Fighters Charity, the toolkit provides practical guidance to help fire and rescue service (FRS) personnel identify and support individuals, both colleagues and members of the public, who may be at risk of suicide. It includes advice on intervention, signposting to resources, and resilience-building tools.\n\nAdditionally, fire and rescue services in England are supporting staff mental health through occupational health access, training, peer networks, and assistance programmes. Overlaying this is the NFCC's comprehensive Health and Wellbeing Framework, which was developed with broad engagement across the fire and rescue sector. Where appropriate, NFCC and local services work with national organisations, such as the Fire Fighters Charity and Mind, to provide specialist advice and support.\n\nDepartment of Health and Social Care","created_at":"2026-05-08T09:07:19.494Z","updated_at":"2026-05-08T09:07:19.494Z"},"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":758497,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/758497.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Improve funding, pay & professional recognition for the Early Years workforce","background":"Increase government funding of Early Years settings, and introduce national frameworks related to pay, career progression and professional recognition to ensure greater alignment with educators and teachers in wider educational settings. ","additional_details":"Early Years Teachers and practitioners support children’s learning, development, wellbeing, safeguarding and school readiness, requiring specialist skills and knowledge. Many in private and independent settings face low pay, limited progression and poor recognition due to insufficient funding. Improved funding, a national pay framework, and formal recognition as educators would support staff retention and quality outcomes for children especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.","committee_note":"","state":"open","signature_count":26562,"closing_date":"2026-09-06","created_at":"2026-01-23T21:56:55.488Z","updated_at":"2026-06-13T16:51:50.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-03-06T13:49:57.980Z","closed_at":null,"moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2026-01-23T22:41:00.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2026-03-13T07:07:10.000Z","government_response_at":"2026-05-07T09:56:32.715Z","debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":"Ellie Hull","rejection":null,"government_response":{"responded_on":"2026-05-07","summary":"Our Best Start in Life strategy sets out how we will professionalise and strengthen the workforce. We’re investing over £9.5bn in early years entitlements with above inflation increases to rates.","details":"We are confident that through Our Best Start in Life Strategy we will lay the foundation for long-term change including recognising the critical role that early years educators play and creating more opportunities to enter the profession, gain higher qualifications, and build fulfilling careers. \n\nWe want a career in early years to be something that people are proud to be part of and something that is rewarding to pursue. We are championing early years teachers, with the aim of having a teacher in every setting.  We are significantly increasing the number of funded training places on Early Years Initial Teacher Training, introducing a new Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship route and introducing an annual £4,500 early years teacher financial incentive in the most disadvantaged areas.\n\nEarly years educators are crucial to ensuring children with SEND get the best start in life. Our reforms will give them the training, evidence-based tools and expert input they need — including a dedicated early years offer within the 3-year £200 million national training package, new identification and intervention tools through the National Inclusion Standards, and expert advice from health and education professionals through the new Experts at Hand offer.\n\nThrough the Inclusive Early Years Fund, we are providing an additional £47 million in 2026-27 to support the early years sector to become more inclusive of children with SEND, as part of the 3-year £1.6 billion Inclusive Mainstream Fund. This is on top of the above inflation increase to early years entitlements funding rates announced in December 2025. We will also consult later this year on further reforms to simplify funding streams and support earlier intervention.\n\nWe are raising skill levels by funding high-quality training for educators and leaders – including free online child development training, more places on the National Professional Qualification in Early Years Leadership and investing in evidence-based interventions in early maths and language. We are also doubling the number of Early Years Stronger Practice Hubs, so even more settings and childminders can access free, evidence-based resources and training to help improve their practice.  \n\nWe know recruitment and retention is a challenge for settings and staff across the sector. Early education and care is delivered by a vibrant, mixed market, the majority of which are private, voluntary and independent providers who set their own rates of pay. \n\nIn 2026/27, we expect to provide over £9.5 billion for early years entitlements, more than doubling the government’s commitment to funded childcare since 2023/24. This will fund a full year of the expanded entitlements and an above inflation increase to funding rates. On average nationally, we are increasing the 3- and 4-year-old hourly funding rate by 4.95%, the 2-year-old hourly funding rate by 4.36% and funding rate for the 9 months to 2-year-old entitlement by 4.28%.\n\nThese increases also continue to reflect in full forecast cost pressures on the early years sector, including National Living Wage increases announced at Autumn Budget 2025. To go further, we will review early years funding, including the national funding formulae, and consult the sector on the changes by summer 2026. \n\nFrom April 2026, we are also increasing the minimum pass-through requirement, meaning local authorities must pass on at least 97% of funding to providers, to maximise funding reaching early years settings. It is then up to those providers how they choose to spend this funding.\n\nDepartment for Education","created_at":"2026-05-07T09:56:32.713Z","updated_at":"2026-05-07T09:58:59.095Z"},"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"DfE","name":"Department for Education","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-education"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":762116,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/762116.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Ban non-stun & recoverable stun slaughter of animals","background":"Religious slaughter may require the animal to be slaughtered whilst alive, which is in line with their religious beliefs. In relation to this, stunning needs to be recoverable. Normal slaughter uses a bolt gun that renders the animal brain dead and unable to regain consciousness.","additional_details":"The Government has the power to ban non-stun religious slaughter in this country via legislation. Greece did this in 2021. Many argue that the labelling of meat products via supermarkets is insufficient and can’t be trusted, so we believe a blanket ban on non-stun and recoverable stun animal slaughter is needed. We feel people who disagree with these practices shouldn’t effectively have their rights diminished and shouldn’t be forced to eat meat that has not been stunned-to-kill, due to a lack of options.","committee_note":"","state":"open","signature_count":44038,"closing_date":"2026-09-30","created_at":"2026-02-22T09:22:07.864Z","updated_at":"2026-06-13T21:00:20.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-03-30T09:42:41.248Z","closed_at":null,"moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2026-02-22T09:35:20.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2026-04-19T23:18:00.000Z","government_response_at":"2026-05-06T14:55:21.216Z","debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":"Philip Weston","rejection":null,"government_response":{"responded_on":"2026-05-06","summary":"The government prefers all animals to be stunned before slaughter but respects 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. However, we respect the rights of Jews and Muslims to eat meat prepared in accordance with their religious beliefs. The government therefore has no plans to ban slaughter without stunning.\n\nThe key pieces of legislation which cover matters relating to the handling, stunning and slaughter of different species and other relevant operations are The Welfare of Animals at the Time of Killing (England) Regulations 2015 https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2015/1782/contents\n\nand assimilated law Regulation (EC) No 1099/2009 on the protection of animals at the time of killing\nhttps://www.legislation.gov.uk/eur/2009/1099/introduction\n\nThe legislation sets out the permitted stunning methods for different species. Some of these, such as controlled atmospheric stunning, will kill the animal, and others, such as certain forms of electrical stunning, will make the animal unconscious (a “simple stun”). A simple stun must be followed as quickly as possible by a killing method, such as bleeding or pithing. \n\nBoth general slaughter and slaughter by the halal method use simple stunning methods. Annex D of the 2024 Slaughter Sector Survey\nhttps://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67c5cf0e750837d7604dbdbf/25-02-14_Slaughter_Sector_Survey_2024_REVISED.pdf \nsets out further details of the slaughter methods used during the relevant survey period and shows that, for example, the majority of sheep are electrically stunned whereas cattle are mainly killed by a captive bolt. \n\nFor all stunned slaughter, legislation requires checks to be made that animals do not present any signs of consciousness and sensibility between stunning and death. If animals are not properly stunned, appropriate measures such as a back-up stun must be taken.\n\nWhile there is an exception from stunning for meat for Jews and Muslims, a significant proportion of halal meat comes from animals that are stunned before slaughter. The 2024 Slaughter Sector Survey showed for example that 88% of halal meat chickens in England and Wales were stunned prior to slaughter during the survey week. \n\nDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs","created_at":"2026-05-06T14:55:21.211Z","updated_at":"2026-05-06T14:57:00.906Z"},"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":762815,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/762815.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Raise the personal tax allowance to £18,000","background":"Since 2021 personal tax allowance has been frozen at £12,570.  This freeze was due to expire this year but the Chancellor of the Exchequer has extended it to 2031.\r\nWe want to keep some more of our own money.\r\n","additional_details":"If you are earning minimum wage then you may soon be paying tax because of fiscal drag. Some higher earners pay little or no tax due to clever use of accounting rules. We think this is so wrong.","committee_note":"","state":"open","signature_count":37091,"closing_date":"2026-09-30","created_at":"2026-03-01T12:07:01.306Z","updated_at":"2026-06-13T20:01:00.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-03-31T14:11:37.574Z","closed_at":null,"moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2026-03-02T19:43:20.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2026-04-21T23:21:00.000Z","government_response_at":"2026-05-05T11:00:21.371Z","debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":"Mike Haynes","rejection":null,"government_response":{"responded_on":"2026-05-05","summary":"The Government currently has no plans to increase the Personal Allowance to £18,000. Increasing the Personal Allowance to £18,000 would come at a significant fiscal cost of over £40 billion per year. ","details":"The Government is committed to keeping taxes for working people as low as possible while investing in public services and not taking risks with the economy.\n\nThe previous government froze the main income tax thresholds from 2021/22 until 2027/28 – this means the Personal Tax allowance was not due to rise until April 2028 at the earliest. \n\nTo ensure that the Government can deliver on the public’s priorities, at Budget 2025 it was announced that the personal tax thresholds, including the Personal Allowance, would be maintained at their current levels for a further three years to the end of this decade.\n\nThe Government currently has no plans to increase the Personal Allowance to £18,000. Increasing the Personal Allowance to £18,000 would come at a significant fiscal cost of over £40 billion per year. This would also benefit higher earners more than basic-rate taxpayers on average. \n\nRaising the Personal Allowance to £18,000 would reduce tax receipts substantially, decreasing funds available for the UK’s hospitals, schools, and other essential public services that we all rely on. A £40 billion cut in public services is equivalent to slashing roughly a fifth of the NHS Budget in England, or around two thirds of defence spending.\n\nThe income tax system is highly progressive, with different rates of tax sitting above an internationally high Personal Allowance.\n\nThe Government is making these fair and necessary choices on tax so it can deliver on the public’s priorities. Alongside this, the Government is keeping the contribution as low as possible by pursuing a programme of reform to fix longstanding issues in the tax system. \n\nTo support the lowest paid workers in our economy, the Government has asked the Low Pay Commission to account for the cost of living when making each of their recommendations on the minimum wage rates that have applied since April 2025. The government is also supporting families through the universal offer of 15 hours of government-funded childcare for all parents of 3- and 4-year-olds and eligible working parents of children aged 9 months and above can access 30 hours a week in free childcare.\n\nAt Budget 2025, the Government also announced a package of measures that will bear down on prices and help ease cost of living pressures for working people, targeting everyday expenses. This includes cutting energy bills and freezing rail fares and NHS prescription fees.\n\nThe Government keeps all taxes under review as part of the policy making process. \n\nHM Treasury","created_at":"2026-05-05T11:00:21.366Z","updated_at":"2026-05-05T11:00:57.784Z"},"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"HMT","name":"HM Treasury","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-treasury"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":760546,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/760546.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Investigate the failures in the administration of Civil Service Pensions","background":"We call on Parliament to investigate the ongoing and systemic failures in the administration of civil service pensions. These failures have left thousands of current and former civil servants in limbo, waiting excessive periods for pension payments they are entitled to.","additional_details":"The delays have caused significant financial hardship, emotional distress, and insecurity for individuals who have planned their retirements in good faith.\r\n\r\nParliament should scrutinise Capita’s handling of pension administration, the government’s oversight of the contract, and what immediate action is required to resolve outstanding cases, prevent further harm, and provide redress to those affected.","committee_note":"","state":"open","signature_count":15393,"closing_date":"2026-09-20","created_at":"2026-02-09T14:50:06.524Z","updated_at":"2026-06-13T19:52:30.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-03-20T14:08:55.014Z","closed_at":null,"moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2026-02-09T15:19:20.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2026-04-13T20:10:40.000Z","government_response_at":"2026-05-05T09:00:03.868Z","debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":"Nigel Heckford","rejection":null,"government_response":{"responded_on":"2026-05-05","summary":"The Government is clear that Capita must restore pension service levels by end of June 2026. We are using all commercial levers, including withholding payments, to hold them to account for failures.","details":"The Government recognises the vital contribution of civil servants and understands the significant distress that delays in pension administration cause to members and their families. We take these concerns very seriously and apologise to those who have experienced unacceptable service levels or delays in receiving their entitlements. On 22 April 2026, the Minister for the Cabinet Office delivered an oral statement to the House of Commons outlining the failures in pension administration and the robust steps being taken to resolve them.\n\nRegarding the request for a formal Parliamentary investigation, the Government maintains that Parliament is already rigorously investigating these matters through established select committees. The Public Accounts Committee has held two public hearings specifically with Capita to scrutinise their performance and hold their leadership to account for these delivery failures. Furthermore, Cabinet Office officials have provided evidence to the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee regarding the administration of the scheme. These ongoing proceedings ensure a high level of transparency and parliamentary oversight without the need for a separate inquiry.\n\nThe Government is executing a robust recovery plan and has set a hard deadline for Capita to restore service levels to the standard contractually required by the end of June 2026. This recovery includes clearing the backlog of all outstanding pension quotes. To ensure compliance, we are using every commercial lever at our disposal, which includes withholding transition and milestone payments where deliverables have not been achieved.\n\nThe Minister for the Cabinet Office also established a specialist Pensions Recovery Taskforce, led by the Second Permanent Secretary at HMRC, Angela MacDonald, to take strategic oversight on the scheme’s management. This intervention, which includes a circa 140-person government surge team to bolster operational capacity, has already delivered results. Through this intervention, we helped Capita clear 15,000 inherited unread emails, and telephony wait times that averaged at over 90 minutes earlier this year were successfully brought down to an average of under two minutes.\n\nThe Government has already demonstrated that it will not tolerate continued failure; we recently terminated Capita’s contract for the Royal Mail Statutory Pension Scheme following failure to meet the necessary performance standards.\n\nTo mitigate the impact on those facing financial difficulties, the Government has provided over £8.25 million in interest-free transitional support loans to more than 1,500 members. These loans, of up to £10,000, remain available for retirees experiencing delays.\n\nWe are also holding the administrator to account for a data breach that occurred on the pension portal on 30 March 2026. We view this as a fundamental failure in data protection and have demanded a full technical account to ensure such a breach never recurs.\n\nMinisters have addressed these administration issues in several recent debates including:\n● the Westminster Hall debate on Civil Service Pension Scheme Administration on 4 February 2026\n● The House of Lords debate on 5 February 2026\n● The Oral Statement on 22 April 2026 regarding the Pensions Update\n\nThe Government remains dedicated to ensuring that all current and former civil servants receive the high standard of service they have earned. We will not tolerate delivery failures from contracted partners and will continue to prioritise the recovery of service levels until performance meets the standards we expect.\n\nCabinet Office","created_at":"2026-05-05T09:00:03.866Z","updated_at":"2026-05-05T09:00:54.072Z"},"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"CO","name":"Cabinet Office","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/cabinet-office"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":750121,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/750121.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Make assaulting a security worker a standalone offence","background":"Security workers play a vital role in maintaining public safety, but can face violence and abuse while performing their duties. Despite their critical role in protecting businesses, venues, and the public, security workers lack the legal protections afforded to emergency workers and shop workers.","additional_details":"We think the government must address this by enacting specific legislation making assaulting a security worker a standalone offence.\r\n\r\nSecurity are often first responders to incidents of crime and violence, yet, we feel they get little recognition or statutory protection, leaving them vulnerable. A dedicated offence could serve as a deterrent and an acknowledgment of their role in protecting public safety. We would want legal protections in line with those for emergency and retail staff.","committee_note":null,"state":"closed","signature_count":12079,"created_at":"2025-11-09T14:36:02.181Z","updated_at":"2026-06-09T23:00:03.187Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2025-12-09T14:22:25.853Z","closed_at":"2026-06-09T22:59:59.999Z","moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2025-11-10T15:54:40.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2026-03-28T13:27:20.000Z","government_response_at":"2026-04-30T10:35:42.717Z","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":"2026-04-30","summary":"There is existing legislation that provides protections to certain categories of security workers. The Home Office will work with stakeholders to consider this matter further. ","details":"The private security industry plays a crucial role in keeping the public safe.  \nPhysical assaults and verbal abuse against security personnel are unacceptable. The Government recognises the vital work of the private security industry in protecting the public and safeguarding vulnerable people.  \n\nThere is existing legislation that provides protection for some categories of security workers and this legislation will need to be considered in the context of this petition\n\nWe are aware that there have been previous calls for security workers to be included in the Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Act 2018, which came into force on 13 November 2018. The categories included in that Act broadly cover police, prison officers, fire and rescue personnel and certain NHS workers who interact with the public as part of their work. These occupations and positions have been included in the legislation as they are individuals who may be required, at some point, to deal with emergencies and have been exposed to the risks of assault in the course of their day-to-day work as they perform the function of an emergency worker no matter whether they are on duty or not.   \n\nWhere an assault occurs, there is a currently a wide range of offences that cover an assault against any worker, including security/door staff, which include offences such as common assault, actual bodily harm, grievous bodily harm, and other public order offences.   \n\nSection 156 of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 created a statutory aggravating factor in sentencing cases of assault against public-facing workers. It applies where an assault is committed against those providing a public service, performing a public duty or providing a service to the public, including public-facing roles in banks and building societies. This reinforces the seriousness with which the courts treat offences against anyone providing a public service. In effect, a person convicted of an assault against any worker providing a public service could see their sentence increased within the current maximum penalty for the offence under which they are convicted. \n\nFurthermore, through the Home Office’s Crime and Policing Bill, which was introduced in the House of Commons in February 2025, this Government has introduced a new specific standalone offence of assaulting a retail worker to help tackle the epidemic of shop theft and violence towards shop workers. This includes security staff, either directly employed by the retailer or employed by a third-party on behalf of the retailer.  \n\nFor the purposes of this new offence, the Home Office’s definition of a ‘retail worker’ is intentionally narrow given the vital need to provide legal clarity and ensure there is no ambiguity for courts in identifying whether an individual is a retail worker, and the assault took place in the course of their work. \n\nThose workers whose roles are not included within the definition are already covered under other legislation such as the Offences against the Person Act 1861, which also covers more serious violence, such as actual bodily harm and grievous bodily harm.  \n\nIn this legislative context, work would need to be conducted by the Home Office to understand what the elements of any potential ‘new’ offence would include that is not already covered by existing legislation. The Home Office will work with stakeholders to hear views and consider this matter further.\n\nHome Office","created_at":"2026-04-30T10:35:42.715Z","updated_at":"2026-04-30T10:35:42.715Z"},"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"HO","name":"Home Office","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/home-office"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":756424,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/756424.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Create a national database of convicted animal abusers","background":"The database should be accessible to relevant authorities and regulated organisations, including local councils, animal welfare charities, veterinary professionals, licenced breeders, rescue centres, and organisations responsible for rehoming animals. Animal cruelty is a serious offence.","additional_details":"Its purpose would be to prevent convicted animal abusers from owning, working with, breeding, or having unsupervised access to animals. It would also improve enforcement of animal disqualification orders, support safeguarding efforts, enhance public and animal safety, and strengthen existing animal welfare legislation. Appropriate safeguards should be included to ensure compliance with privacy and human rights laws. At present enforcement relies on fragmented records and inconsistent checks.","committee_note":"","state":"open","signature_count":10881,"closing_date":"2026-08-06","created_at":"2026-01-08T20:13:11.884Z","updated_at":"2026-06-13T11:57:20.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-02-06T09:01:09.384Z","closed_at":null,"moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2026-01-09T11:33:50.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2026-04-21T12:41:40.000Z","government_response_at":"2026-04-29T12:54:24.302Z","debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":"Abbi Collins","rejection":null,"government_response":{"responded_on":"2026-04-29","summary":"The Government has no plans to introduce an animal abuse register because we already have similar provisions in place.","details":"The Government does not think it would be appropriate to introduce a publicly assessable animal cruelty register. The majority of the population comply with our high animal welfare laws. In the upsetting and unacceptable instances where these laws are violated or repeatedly violated, we already have these offences recorded.\n\nAll prosecutions for animal cruelty offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 are currently stored on the Police National Computer. This information may be shared with appropriate organisations. In cases of concern, the information may be shared with the public when requested at the Police’s discretion.\n\nAdditionally, it is important that access to this information is restricted to protect the information from misuse while ensuring it is available for organisations with a justified need to access the information. This is consistent with the Government’s approach to the Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme and Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme.\n\nDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs","created_at":"2026-04-29T12:54:24.294Z","updated_at":"2026-04-29T12:55:19.021Z"},"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":758752,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/758752.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Review and increase expense rates for employees traveling outside the UK","background":"HMRC sets scale rate expenses for subsistence paid to employees who travel outside the UK, such as Cabin Crew. We feel the rates are not reflective or the real costs for people whose work takes them abroad, and that the way they are put into blocks of 5/10 or 24 hour blocks is completely unfair.","additional_details":"We want these rates to be reviewed by HMRC so they are up to date with the current cost of living. If a flight is delayed by an hour this can mean dropping from the 24 hour payment down to the 10 hour payment so essentially working 12 hours without a payment, this is a common occurrence in air travel, hence crew being penalised for something out of their control. We believe the scale rates need to provide a wider range of rates and time blocks so that if you fall between rates you are not penalised.","committee_note":"","state":"open","signature_count":11020,"closing_date":"2026-08-27","created_at":"2026-01-25T13:26:28.529Z","updated_at":"2026-06-09T03:43:30.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-02-27T16:40:00.237Z","closed_at":null,"moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2026-01-25T16:23:50.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2026-04-16T09:07:10.000Z","government_response_at":"2026-04-28T07:05:45.009Z","debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":"GEMMA LOUISE CRANE","rejection":null,"government_response":{"responded_on":"2026-04-27","summary":"Overseas scale rates (OSR) allow employers to reimburse overseas travel costs without receipts. Where costs exceed rates, receipts can be used. The Government keeps OSR under review.","details":"The Government recognises that employees who travel overseas for work, including cabin crew, incur additional costs and that employers need practical ways to reimburse those costs fairly. HMRC’s overseas scale rate system is intended to support this by providing a consistent, evidence based framework for tax free subsistence payments where employees are travelling abroad as part of their role.\n\nOverseas scale rates are designed as an administrative easement to employers. They are not intended to mirror individual expenditure in every case, but to provide a standard set of benchmark amounts that most employers and employees can use without needing to keep and check receipts.\n\nEmployers are not required to use HMRC’s published scale rates if they believe these do not reflect their employees’ circumstances. Employers can agree bespoke rates with HMRC based on evidence of actual costs, or they can reimburse the actual costs incurred where receipts are available. These alternatives allow employers greater flexibility where working patterns, disruption or sector specific issues mean the standard rates are not appropriate.\n\nThe Government keeps all taxes under review as part of the policy making process. Any decisions on future changes in this area will be taken in the context of the wider public finances. \n\nHM Treasury","created_at":"2026-04-28T07:05:45.000Z","updated_at":"2026-04-28T07:06:14.391Z"},"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"HMT","name":"HM Treasury","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-treasury"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":746707,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/746707.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Fund pay for student nurses and midwives for placement hours","background":"Student nurses and midwives are the heart of our NHS doing work for free. Many of us are unable to financially support ourselves.\r\n","additional_details":"When on placement, we are limited to just 8 paid hours a week. The NMC says we can work a paid job only 8 hours a week. Anything over, this we can be asked to leave our course. This is because we are working 40 hours a week unpaid. Anything over the 48 hours, we can be seen to be endangering patients. \r\n\r\nWe work so hard and do so many hours to obtain our PIN and registration.","committee_note":"","state":"closed","signature_count":16122,"created_at":"2025-10-13T12:07:52.701Z","updated_at":"2026-05-21T12:41:10.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2025-11-20T14:43:37.244Z","closed_at":"2026-05-20T22:59:59.999Z","moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2025-10-13T13:07:20.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2026-04-02T13:56:40.000Z","government_response_at":"2026-04-27T14:13:19.616Z","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":"2026-04-27","summary":"The Government recognises the importance of practice-based learning for student nurses and midwives. There are no plans to pay students while on undergraduate degree mandatory clinical placements.","details":"The Government recognises the unique nature of nursing and midwifery degrees and the financial pressures that students may face in undertaking one.\n\nNursing and midwifery degree education standards, including standards for practice learning, are set by the independent regulator, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). Students on clinical placements are treated as ‘supernumerary’ to ensure that there are protections in place so that, while student nurses and midwives are in training, they are not replacing trained professionals required for safe and effective care. These placement protections are also necessary to allow students to gain the skills and experience required to graduate and join the professional register. To safely and effectively practise as a registered nurse or midwife once qualified, it is essential that most practice learning is undertaken in direct care of clients, within a framework of supervision by registered nurses, midwives and other registered healthcare professionals.\n\nWe recognise students’ concerns about limits on paid work to eight hours per week during placements; however, these are not set by the NMC. Restrictions commonly reflect the UK Working Time Regulations (Working Time Regulations 1998), under which placement hours will usually count as working time and total weekly working time should remain within the 48-hour average weekly limit (unless the worker has opted out), alongside the usual rest break requirements. Universities may apply local limits on additional paid work to support compliance and patient safety.\n\nTo support students with their finances while studying, eligible pre-registration nursing and midwifery students can receive supplementary financial support in the form of non-repayable grants via the NHS Learning Support Fund (LSF), in addition to their student loans. Students receive a minimum of £5,000 in each academic year, with further financial support available for childcare, placement travel and dual accommodation costs. Students experiencing financial challenges can access an additional non-repayable grant of up to £3,000 per academic year. Additional funding is also available for studying certain courses, for example, Mental Health Nursing and Learning Disabilities Nursing.\n\nAlternative routes into nursing and midwifery professions are available, such as the apprenticeship route, which provides the opportunity for people to earn as they learn. The registered degree apprenticeship route differs from the undergraduate nursing or midwifery degree route; an apprenticeship is a job, in which the apprentice is employed by, and therefore paid by, the NHS trust. In addition to their studies, they provide services to their employer as a Healthcare Support Worker, Nursing Associate, or other role. Degree apprentices must achieve the same standards as students taking the traditional undergraduate nursing or midwifery degree route, but, given the unique combination of paid employment and study, this is achieved over a four-year, rather than three-year, period.\n\nThe Government has no plans to pay student nurses while on placement.\n\nDepartment of Health and Social Care","created_at":"2026-04-27T14:13:19.607Z","updated_at":"2026-04-27T14:14:02.866Z"},"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":757758,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/757758.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Disregard compensation paid to injured service personnel from UC calculation","background":"Introduce legislation to disregard any payments made to ex-service personnel in the form of injury or income compensation from Universal Credit (UC) calculations, no matter in which manner this payment has been paid out (lump sum or ongoing payments) indefinitely.","additional_details":"Some service members and ex-service personnel who are permanently injured lose Universal Credit after 12 months because their Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) payments, and War Pensions are treated as capital. We believe this is disproportionate, forcing some families to spend money meant to cover long-term injury, illness, or loss of independence just to survive.","committee_note":"","state":"open","signature_count":12719,"closing_date":"2026-08-26","created_at":"2026-01-19T15:21:38.109Z","updated_at":"2026-06-12T19:05:40.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-02-26T13:13:50.255Z","closed_at":null,"moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2026-01-19T15:40:20.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2026-04-05T15:07:20.000Z","government_response_at":"2026-04-27T10:52:48.190Z","debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":"Lucy Tattingham","rejection":null,"government_response":{"responded_on":"2026-04-27","summary":"AFCS lump sums count as personal injury payments, ignored as capital for 12 months to allow trust or annuity arrangement. Once in trust or annuity they are disregarded indefinitely.","details":"Under current UC rules, AFCS lump sum awards are treated as personal injury compensation under longstanding social security law. As such, they are disregarded as capital for a period of up to 12 months from the date of receipt. This 12 month period is intended to give individuals time to make appropriate arrangements, such as placing the payment into a personal injury trust, purchasing an annuity. Where such arrangements are put in place within that period, both the capital held and any income generated are disregarded indefinitely in UC.\n\nWhere the lump sum payment is not placed into one of these arrangements within 12 months, any remaining amount is treated in the same way as other savings and may affect entitlement to UC, depending on the level of capital held. This is not intended as a penalty, nor as a judgment on the service or sacrifice of veterans. Rather, it reflects the established legal framework governing the treatment of personal injury compensation across the benefits system, which applies equally to civilians and service personnel.\n\nIt has been suggested that the treatment of AFCS payments should be treated the same way as certain statutory “special compensation schemes”, such as those relating to Grenfell, infected blood or the Post Office Horizon scandal. These schemes are explicitly listed in legislation and are designed to provide redress for specific historic or systemic failures, rather than compensation linked to individual injury. AFCS, by contrast, compensates for injury, illness or death caused by service on the basis of individual assessment. Treating AFCS lump sums as personal injury compensation ensures parity with civilian personal injury awards and aligns with long established principles in social security law.\n\nReclassifying AFCS lump sum awards alongside special compensation schemes would represent a fundamental policy change with implications beyond Universal Credit. Importantly, such a change is not necessary to protect compensation in practice, as the existing rules already allow for an indefinite disregard where payments are placed into an appropriate trust or arrangement. We understand that such arrangements have now been put in place in this case. We will explore how to make the trust option better known and understood.\n\nDepartment for Work and Pensions","created_at":"2026-04-27T10:52:48.188Z","updated_at":"2026-04-27T10:52:48.188Z"},"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"MoD","name":"Ministry of Defence","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-defence"}],"topics":[]}}]}