Petitions with a Government response

1. Exempt all state pensions and benefits from income tax

   Government responded – 25 April 2024

   The tax treatment of social security benefits is based on the type of payment and why it is provided. Generally, benefits that are designed to replace income are taxable, including the State Pension.

   20,283 signatures

2. Implement Affirmative Consent for Sexual Activity

   Government responded – 24 April 2024

   We have no plans to amend the law on consent. It is long established, well understood by courts, police, practitioners and the public, and provides victims with effective protection from sexual abuse.

   11,177 signatures

3. Negotiate UK-wide recognition of older person's bus passes

   Government responded – 23 April 2024

   The concessionary travel scheme is restricted to England as it is primarily intended to support local bus travel. Therefore, there are no plans to introduce mutual recognition of the separate schemes.

   15,342 signatures

4. Introduce new restrictions on solar facilities to protect land and food security

   Government responded – 22 April 2024

   Government recognises that solar projects impact local areas. Our planning system considers these against the need to secure a clean energy future and protect our most productive agricultural land.

   14,912 signatures

5. Introduce new legal requirements for vets prior to euthanasia of dogs & cats

   Government responded – 19 April 2024

   Vets are already required to scan a dog’s microchip prior to euthanasia where they consider it is not necessary on health or welfare grounds and check for alternative contacts.

   20,550 signatures

6. Let airlines allow pets in the airplane’s cabin to and from the UK

   Government responded – 19 April 2024

   All pets entering Great Britain must be checked to ensure compliance with our import requirements. To facilitate these checks pets travelling by air to GB are required to travel as ‘manifest cargo’.

   11,789 signatures

7. Raise the personal tax allowance to £15,000

   Government responded – 19 April 2024

   The Government has nearly doubled the Personal Allowance since 2010, ensuring the lowest earners pay no income tax. As with all tax policy, the Government keeps the Personal Allowance under review.

   20,819 signatures

8. Exclude telegraph poles from permitted development legislation

   Government responded – 19 April 2024

   The Government wants the planning system to support the infrastructure needed for nationwide gigabit-capable broadband coverage by 2030 and is seeking to ensure these rights are used appropriately.

   10,453 signatures

9. Require broadcasters to call proscribed terrorist organisations terrorists

   Government responded – 18 April 2024

   Ofcom rules ensure broadcast news must be reported with due accuracy and impartiality. The Government is committed to a free media. It would not be right to dictate the language that journalists use.

   13,074 signatures

10. Increase investment in Speech and Language Therapy.

    Government responded – 18 April 2024

    This government has increased investment in the NHS since 2019 in real terms. Systems are developing plans to reduce waits and we are committed to growing the Speech and Language Therapy workforce.

    12,565 signatures

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

    Government responded – 17 April 2024

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

    21,105 signatures

12. Ban the sale of used power tools at car boot sales and markets

    Government responded – 17 April 2024

    The Government has no plans for such a sales ban, but recognises the impact of this crime, and is consulting on how new law and other crime prevention measures can best protect a van and its contents.

    30,840 signatures

13. Introduce economic sanctions on Israel

    Government responded – 16 April 2024

    We support Israel’s security, but it must comply with International Humanitarian Law. We need an immediate stop in fighting to get aid in and hostages out, then progress to a sustainable ceasefire.

    10,936 signatures

14. Call on Hamas to unconditionally surrender and return all the hostages

    Government responded – 12 April 2024

    Hamas should release all hostages now, unconditionally. We have been working with partners across the region to secure the release of hostages, including British nationals and their families.

    12,216 signatures

15. Allow those already in the UK switching to care visa to bring dependants

    Government responded – 9 April 2024

    Those switching to the care visa as care workers are no longer permitted to have dependants with them. The Government values the work of this sector, and existing care visa holders are protected.

    11,816 signatures

16. Allow people to stay in the UK if their employer’s sponsor license is withdrawn

    Government responded – 9 April 2024

    Sponsored work visas allow people into the UK for a set period of time to do specific jobs for a sponsor. Linking visas to sponsors provides safeguards but migrants are free to apply on another basis.

    16,515 signatures

17. Require all dogs to be on a lead when on public pavements

    Government responded – 9 April 2024

    We have no plans to require all dogs to be on a lead on public pavements. It is already an offence under Section 3 of the Dangerous Dogs Act for any dog to be dangerously out of control in any place.

    13,234 signatures

18. Add a mobility element to Attendance Allowance

    Government responded – 5 April 2024

    1.4 million people are receiving Attendance Allowance worth £6 billion a year. Those who develop mobility needs in later life are able to spend this benefit on mobility aids if they wish.

    13,741 signatures

19. Hold a statutory public inquiry into Gender Identity Ideology and Queer Theory

    Government responded – 4 April 2024

    Biological sex clearly exists and matters. There are processes in place for those who wish to change their legal sex. A statutory public inquiry is unnecessary given Government action in this area.

    12,047 signatures

20. Reduce Vehicle Tax for cars aged between 20 and 40 years old

    Government responded – 4 April 2024

    The Government has no plans to reduce the tax exemption age for classic cars from 40 to 20 years. While the Government keeps all taxes under review, we consider 40 years a fair cut-off date.

    12,871 signatures

21. Provide all pensioners born before April 1951 with the new State Pension

    Government responded – 28 March 2024

    The Government has no plans to provide all pensioners born before 6 April 1951 with the new State Pension.

    13,033 signatures

22. Make the sale of catapults/ammunition and carrying catapults in public illegal

    Government responded – 27 March 2024

    Existing legislation provides the correct balance between protecting wildlife from the small number of individuals who misuse catapults, whilst also allowing the public to enjoy legitimate pastimes.

    10,865 signatures

23. Review the brightness of car headlights for safety

    Government responded – 27 March 2024

    The Government has taken action internationally to address concerns raised about headlamp glare. Recognising the need for further evidence, we intend to commission independent research shortly.

    13,658 signatures

24. Fund breast cancer screening from the age of 40

    Government responded – 20 March 2024

    Women 50-71 are invited to breast screening every three years. Research is being undertaken to review the effects of expanding the age range. The UK NSC will consider the findings when this concludes.

    11,424 signatures

25. Review how to turn MHRA into a fully transparent, patient first regulator

    Government responded – 20 March 2024

    Patient safety is the MHRA’s highest priority. There are no plans to review the MHRA, including its accountability, approval processes or its monitoring of the safety of products.

    12,548 signatures

26. Ban smartphones and camera phones for under 16s

    Government responded – 15 March 2024

    The government is committed to making the UK the safest place to be a child online, as evidenced by the Online Safety Act. We are focused on implementing the regime as soon as possible.

    22,666 signatures

27. Introduce a progressive licensing system for young drivers under the age of 25

    Government responded – 13 March 2024

    Whilst there are no published plans to introduce tougher restrictions on new drivers, the Department keeps driving licensing requirements under review.

    22,662 signatures

28. Don’t ban flavoured e-liquids for e-cigarettes

    Government responded – 12 March 2024

    To address the rise in youth vaping, vape flavours that appeal to children will be restricted. We will consult further, being mindful of the role flavours can play in supporting adult smokers quit.

    52,756 signatures

29. Legally pardon those convicted in Great Britain for offences of witchcraft

    Government responded – 6 March 2024

    The Government acknowledges the historic injustices of people accused of witchcraft between the 16th and 18th centuries. However, there are no plans to legislate to pardon those who were convicted.

    13,157 signatures

30. Review the MOD's New Accommodation Offer for armed forces personnel

    Government responded – 6 March 2024

    The Government is committed to widening military accommodation entitlement, but we have listened to feedback and paused elements of the policy related to Service Family Accommodation pending a review.

    20,616 signatures

31. Immediately revoke all licences for arms exports to Israel

    Government responded – 5 March 2024

    HM Government takes its export control responsibilities very seriously and rigorously assesses every application on a case-by-case basis against the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria.

    45,977 signatures

32. Ensure sex workers are not excluded from banking services

    Government responded – 4 March 2024

    HM Treasury has designated the largest current account providers to offer basic bank accounts – personal current accounts with no overdraft or fees – to eligible UK residents with no bank account.

    11,286 signatures

33. Home fee status for BN(O) students after 3 years continuous stay in the UK

    Government responded – 4 March 2024

    Hong Kong BN(O) visa holders will qualify for home fees once they have acquired settled status in the UK.

    14,681 signatures

34. Do not allow original wills to be destroyed after 25 years

    Government responded – 1 March 2024

    Possible reforms to the storage and preservation of wills are being consulted on, no decisions have been taken as yet, and a response will be published later this year.

    15,352 signatures

35. Create a pet task force to seek to reduce number of pets being put to sleep

    Government responded – 1 March 2024

    We have no plans to create a pet task force. Defra already works closely with stakeholders to monitor the full range of animal welfare issues.

    10,473 signatures

36. Close the borders! Suspend ALL immigration for 5 years.

    Government responded – 27 February 2024

    The Government has implemented the most significant measures in a generation to reduce legal migration and end illegal migration; however, suspending immigration entirely would harm the UK’s economy.

    40,718 signatures

37. For the United Kingdom to recognise the state of Palestine immediately

    Government responded – 27 February 2024

    We must give Palestinians a credible political pathway and irreversible momentum towards the establishment of Palestine. We will recognise a Palestinian State when most conducive to the peace process.

    12,355 signatures

38. Require jurors in rape trials to complete mandatory training on rape myths

    Government responded – 23 February 2024

    In rape trials, judges are permitted to give directions to jurors to counter any potential misconceptions. Guidance and training for jurors are a matter for the judiciary and the Judicial College.

    10,950 signatures

39. Create a national strategy to end youth homelessness

    Government responded – 22 February 2024

    Government is committed to tackling homelessness and ending rough sleeping for good. Our strategy is backed by over £2bn over 3 years. Tackling youth homelessness is critical to this strategy.

    15,334 signatures

40. Hold a parliamentary vote on assisted dying

    Government responded – 22 February 2024

    It remains the Government’s view that any change to the law in this sensitive area is a matter for Parliament to decide.

    204,662 signatures

41. Make financial education compulsory in all schools from primary age

    Government responded – 21 February 2024

    Financial education is a vital life skill and is already compulsory in the national curriculum for citizenship (at Key Stages 3 and 4) and within mathematics (Key Stages 1 to 4).

    12,518 signatures

42. Allow ARRS funding to be used for practice nurses and GPs

    Government responded – 22 February 2024

    The 2024/25 GP contract arrangements are subject to consultation with the British Medical Association. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.

    11,085 signatures

43. Review Timetable For Phasing Out Copper Wire Landlines

    Government responded – 15 February 2024

    The PSTN migration is industry-led but Government and Ofcom are monitoring communication providers to ensure that consumers and sectors are protected and prepared for the upgrade process.

    11,152 signatures

44. Provide for resentencing for everyone serving an indeterminate prison sentence

    Government responded – 15 February 2024

    Retrospectively changing the lawfully passed sentence would risk public protection. It is vital that those serving the IPP sentence in prison are released only when the Parole Board deems them safe.

    11,216 signatures

45. Do not let the Government access information on pensioners' bank accounts.

    Government responded – 15 February 2024

    This measure does not give DWP access to pensioners or any claimants’ bank accounts and will only flag information if it is relevant to someone’s eligibility for the benefits they are receiving.

    14,727 signatures

46. Require CCTV cameras on school transport for kids with special educational needs

    Government responded – 9 February 2024

    Safeguarding children is of paramount importance. We expect everyone involved in the delivery of school transport to take their responsibilities seriously but have no plans to require CCTV.

    16,419 signatures

47. Give one-person households 50% council tax discount rather than 25%

    Government responded – 8 February 2024

    The Government does not have any plans to change the single person discount to 50%. There are a range of further discounts and exemptions in place to support households with their council tax bills.

    12,677 signatures

48. Repeal Relationships and Sexuality Education (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2023

    Government responded – 8 February 2024

    The Government has no plans to repeal the Relationships and Sexuality Education (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Regulations 2023.

    10,532 signatures

49. Abolish the TV licence and make the BBC a subscription channel

    Government responded – 6 February 2024

    The licence fee will remain for this Charter. However, this model faces challenges and the Government has launched a review to look at ways to ensure BBC’s future funding is fair and sustainable.

    18,581 signatures

50. Do not introduce regular bank account checks for benefit claimants

    Government responded – 5 February 2024

    This measure does not give DWP access to claimants’ bank accounts and will only flag information if it is relevant to someone’s eligibility for the benefits they are receiving.

    24,870 signatures

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