Closed petition Make it a requirement for MPs to participate in all votes

Closed on 20 March 2022

We demand that Members of Parliament (MPs) no longer be allowed to abstain on parliamentary votes. MPs are paid to do a job and we believe abstaining does not represent their constituents and is a dereliction of responsibility.

Time and again we see key votes in the House of Commons being passed because MPs abstain, thus allowing the motion to succeed. We believe abstention is an MPs not doing their job fully. They should canvass their electorate and vote on all issues. Abstention can contribute to party politics being allowed to override matters that impact directly on constituents. Enough is enough and we expect MPs to stand up and be counted, No more abstaining.