Forum Topic

Petition ~ Calling For A General Election

This petition is gathering omentum.  If you think that our country deserves the chance to oust this disastrous and inept Labour government, here is te link to sign it:https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/727309

Sue Hammond ● 29d93 Comments

"Crikey! What did Starmer do in early August to create that spike?"Di you mean the disastrous Labour EU election policy?There are plenty of interviews and publications on this David although unlikely to be found on the BBC.

Ed Robinson ● 4d

Estimated Final Signatures: 1,240,022 by 5th December 2025.Mind you, that obviously cannot show any major effects by unexpected "events". And they do happen.

David Ainsworth ● 4d

Good sooner the better.

Barbara Stevens ● 4d

Now 871,000 signatures !!👍

Sue Hammond ● 4d

"David I assume you also condemned the mass deportations in the US under Barack Obama too?"No, nobody on the Forum discussed it at the time. However I doubt that many were in favour, especially after the putting of children in cages.Are you completely against any deportation?

David Ainsworth ● 9d

Crikey! What did Starmer do in early August to create that spike?Thanks for link.

David Ainsworth ● 9d

Obviously Michael rules were different for existing EU citizens not new EU citizens fleeing the US. Did these US citizens that previously fled the US do so under the Biden administration I wonder?For EU nationals living in the UK before the end of the transition period on December 31, 2020, there is the UK Settlement Scheme and although deadline dates have passed I think the government still allows applications if there is a good reason for missing the deadline.Apart from the above and the Common Travel Area agreement - I'm not aware of any specific citizens rules for EU citizens that differ from any other Non-UK citizen. An appropriate visa will need to be obtained and the right to residency and citizenship can be applied after the qualifying periods.Back on topic: the link below shows the rate of this petition including it's projected numbers.It does assume petition hasn't been nobbled of course!https://www.parallelparliament.co.uk/petitions/727309/call-an-immediate-general-election

Ed Robinson ● 9d

David I assume you also condemned the mass deportations in the US under Barack Obama too?Or do different rules apply for the Democratic party? "Fact Check: Yes, US deported more than 3M people during Obama presidency — most without chance to plead case in court"https://www.yahoo.com/news/fact-check-yes-us-deported-110000943.html

Ed Robinson ● 9d

Ed"I have posted a thread calling for it's return of birth right citizenship in the UK as someone born here legally may always be called upon to prove that they are indeed legal. Owning a British Passport oddly enough is not proof of UK citizenship. I do not recall my post getting support from Labour supprters."Probably because there's so much podted on this site that's irrelevant it got missed. This is primarily a discussion forum. It has no authority to make changes, so no point in pursuing. Some petitions, like the one to retain the Roehampton minor injuries unit, might have some leverage because of concerns about loss of local votes by politicians but I doubt any petitions relating to British Citizenship will get much traction.US citizens with dual (EU) nationality may qualify for settled status in the UK if they'd lived in the UK as EU citizens for the necessary five year qualifying period. It's obviously irrelevant to the rules that they're US citizens, it's the EU citizenship that's relevant to settled status under the Brexit agreements. However, specific countries within the EU may grant residency rights to US citizens if the qualify because of property purchases, etc. 

Michael Ixer ● 9d

"I can think of several US citizens who would emigrate if it was possible!"Clearly if they have entered the US illegally or have over stayed and are not UK citizens then they have no right to emmigrate to the UK. If they are entitled to they can apply for Irish citizenship and once obtained travel within the common travel area. Italian citizenship gives them no right to emigrate to the UK."Irish or Italian grandparent"Ireland like Italy and the US currently has citizenship by birth and descent. Britain scrapped birthright citizenship in 1983 which was subsequently supported by Labour.I have posted a thread calling for it's return of birth right citizenship in the UK as someone born here legally may always be called upon to prove that they are indeed legal. Owning a British Passport oddly enough is not proof of UK citizenship. I do not recall my post getting support from Labour supprters.The US is a democracy it's democrats and republican governments have had plenty of time to fix various inequality issues. Last US people I spoke to were happy if the current flavour of US government favoured them financially. So not much different to the UK in that regards.

Ed Robinson ● 9d

Perhaps someone would like to plot it on a graph to see how it's performing. I suppose someone could try fitting it into a Taylor-Maclaurin series to predict where it's heading ... (my maths is too rusty :-))

Michael Ixer ● 10d

Well the petition for a general election started in November 2024 closed with over 3 million signatures. This one seems extremely lacklustre and low energy in comparison.Bu whateva' Sue. Maybe a few extra exclamation marks might introduce a sense of drama and urgency to the grim, slow grind of signatures.

Gerry Boyce ● 10d

@Boyce 12.19'ground to a halt' Err no.  Petition now at 847,356 signatures !!!

Sue Hammond ● 10d

Here's a little clip of Nigel attempting to lecture Ireland on freedom! Ha ha! https://fb.watch/BM2HAF7gOn/

Gerry Boyce ● 10d

How many people in the US have you been in contact recently, Ed? I can think of several US citizens who would emigrate if it was possible! (And a couple already choose to be resident in the UK/EU but it helps to have an Irish or Italian grandparent ...)

Michael Ixer ● 10d

Exactly right.Also, the only thing that Farage has 'delivered' is Brexit, which has completely screwed the country and is massively unpopular. I don't know why Labour don't go for him on this with all guns blazing. He's nothing more than an opportunistic agent of chaos.His 'policy' on mass deportation is already coming apart at the seams.'Up the 'RA'! You said it Nigel.

Gerry Boyce ● 10d

"So basically the petition has ground to a halt"Perhaps it is due to people not really wanting Farage's mass deportation of half a million people with all the possible ramifications. Not, at least, until they have seen how the US mass deportations work out for Trump.

David Ainsworth ● 10d

So basically the petition has ground to a halt. It has, as initially posted, gathered omentum and hit the couch to do an impression of a spud!

Gerry Boyce ● 10d

"Still, we've not quite reached the position in the US.."Actually I think it is far worse than the US which are targeting illegal immigrants but obviously do not get it always right.No warrant is needed in the UK when immigration officials and police target a business or conduct random stops. Seems similar to the US.Police are turning up at people's homes in the middle of the night for so called non-crimes, where their opinion has offended someone. You can not have free speech without the right to offend .One Welsh ex-Service man was arrested for expressing a political view on immigration. Journalists are arrested but no charges.So it seems that people who do not share the governments view are now being targeted. Sounds like the Stasi to me!https://www.richardmedhurst.com/richard-medhurst-arrested-at-heathrow-airport-under-terrorism-act-for-his-journalism/

Ed Robinson ● 10d

Rachel from Complaints has totally fooked our economy and she cannot fill the £50 billion 'black hole' that her disastrous decisions have created.  Her woeful incompetence is not the only problem though.  If you add to her mishaps the public service workers' inflation busting wage increases, the huge expenditure on the migrant hotels and welfare, and not forgetting the wasted £700+ million given to France to prevent (aka facilitate) the small boat crossings, you can see what a mess this country is in.  Whilst all is crumbling in the U.K. #NeverHereKeir is poncing around the world with his sidekick Lammy trying to play at peacemaking with the big boys, Trump and Putin, who basically ignore them.  Dumb and Dumber comes to mind. Ineffectual buffoon Lammy's recent contribution for peace in the Gaza/Israel conflict was 'both sides have to lay down arms' for Gaza ceasefire to happen' Righto Davey Boy just pop over on the government private plane and have a word with the Hamas terrorists ...Btw the petition is now 844,957 signatures !!!

Sue Hammond ● 10d

Ed. OK, but that wasn't in your original post. I can't really comment on the police action as I'd not seen what they'd written, or other activities of those arrested. Still, we've not quite reached the position in the US has where the White House authorises anonymous ICE operatives to drag people off the streets without warrants, DC has troops on the streets, and there's attempts to get the FCC to withdraw licences from mainstream broadcasters such as ABC and NBC - that looks like restrictions of press freedom to me?Perhaps that's why Mr Farage, should he be PM, is so keen to withdraw from the ECHR; he could them emulate US activities and push through laws putting troops on the streets of London and restrict press freedoms saying things he didn't like. I understand he'll be in the US when Parliament reopens. An odd priority, perhaps someone has worked out a way to legally divert funds from the US to a UK limited company mascarading as a political party?An interesting comment from social media ... Reality:Green Party - Four MPs
Reform UK - Four MPsImpression given by media attention:Green Party - Four MPs
Reform UK - 312,178 MPs

Michael Ixer ● 11d

"Where do Labour supporters come into it?"Labour supporters support a government that is using the police and the law to suppress journalism. Reporters on Palestine have been intimidated with raids and equipment seized but no charges brought.The UK relies on open journalism as a vital part of democracy. Attacks on journalists are an attack on democracy. Considering licence payers pay for BBC to be broadcast to various countries it is odd that we arrest and harass journalist in the UK.One of many cases:"New York, October 29, 2024—The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on British authorities to cease using counter-terrorism laws to intimidate the press after police raided the London home of journalist Asa Winstanley on October 17 on suspicion of “encouragement of terrorism.” According to Winstanley’s employer, Palestine-focused news site The Electronic Intifada, the raid was in connection with Winstanley’s social media posts."https://cpj.org/2024/10/british-police-seize-electronic-devices-in-raid-on-journalist-asa-winstanleys-home/

Ed Robinson ● 11d

"they have more than enough to worry about as far as I can see."There are reports that the UK economy is in such a bad state the IMF may have to bail them out.Clearly they didn't do what they were paid to do whilst in opposition and there is no sign they are doing what they are paid yo do now they are in government.Perhaps Labour will announce an review??

Ed Robinson ● 11d

Ed, your link is about a suspended Conservative councillor complaining to the police. Where do Labour supporters come into it?

Michael Ixer ● 11d

Reports that journalists are being harassed with fake crimes be it journalists reporting on Gaza or those reporting on sex allegations against Local councillors."Journalist shocked at police 'harassment'"Reform are not in power but Labour are.Strange how the Labour supporters run away from condemning their part policies. It is truly a cult.https://bbc.com/news/articles/ckg4pven2kgo

Ed Robinson ● 11d

Interesting that it was Badenoch who, after Farage's speech, noted that leaving the ECHR wasn't that easy because of it underwriting other important agreements such as the Brexit Trade and Cooperation, and the Good Friday Agreements. I guess she's got some advanced info on the Tory review of leaving the ECHR and perhaps there's more disadvantages than benefits?

Michael Ixer ● 11d

The government, indeed no government, needs a petition to know that road pricing would be deeply unpopular!Personally, I think it is probably a necessary evil but I also believe it's years off ever happening.The current petition for a GE is the second one faced by Labour in the last year.  It's not going to bother them - they have more than enough to worry about as far as I can see.Occasionally, these petitions make a difference but they're mostly just performative, especially the nakedly political ones.

Jonathan Callaway ● 11d

"I guess there is always super injunctions and other dodgy antidemocratic mechanisms that they could employ!"Surely not! The broad mass of the people of Britain, under the inspired leadership of the ever-correct Nigel Farage, with the great Reform/Tory alliance, will move forward into broad, sunlit uplands.

David Ainsworth ● 11d

"None of these changed the course of government business with the possible exception of the Marcus Rashford one.""5. Oppose plans to introduce road pricing (2007): 1,792,116"There is still no road pricing and it's now 2025."Worth noting that there were three petitions calling for a general election - all ignored, as the current one will be."I think there is a big difference between the government agreeing to a general election and the petition being ignored!It will add to the existing pressure that is already on the government and Labour MP's. They will be thinking very carefully about their minority share of the vote that brought them to power a few months ago.With prices, unemployment and taxes all up and the economy down it is difficult to see how they will be voted back for a second term. I guess there is always super injunctions and other dodgy antidemocratic mechanisms that they could employ!

Ed Robinson ● 11d

Just as a matter of curiosity I thought I'd check what the largest parliamentary petitions have been (so far) in the UK.  This one, at 842,237 and probably still counting, is still a way down the all time list:1. Revoke Article 50 and remain in the EU (2019): 6,103,0562. EU Referendum Rules triggering a 2nd Referendum (2016): 4,150,2623. Call a General Election (late 2024): 3,084,7144. Prevent Donald Trump from making a State Visit to the UK (2017): 1,863,7085. Oppose plans to introduce road pricing (2007): 1,792,1166. Do not prorogue Parliament (2019): 1,722,9357. End child food poverty – no child should be going hungry (2020 - the Marcus Rashford-inspired one): 1,113,8898. Call an immediate general election to end the chaos of the current government (2022): 906,624Then comes the current one, at ninth.None of these changed the course of government business with the possible exception of the Marcus Rashford one.  Worth noting that there were three petitions calling for a general election - all ignored, as the current one will be.

Jonathan Callaway ● 11d

842,237 now. This game could get even more boring than the usual one!

David Ainsworth ● 11d

Now 841,763 signatures - do keep up!!!!

Sue Hammond ● 11d

Just like the one that Trump supporters have got now.

Philippa Bond ● 11d

If you are still interested Ms Hammond it is currently:-840,664 signatures (how many exclamation marks do you want?)

David Ainsworth ● 12d

This petition is a UK parliament petition which makes perfect sense.One of Starmer's broken promises was to bring forward legislation that would prevent the state covering up to protect itself at the expense of it's citizens. Oddly many do not mind the state doing this when it favours their political colours. Anything that is against transparency is against democracy.Can the Labour supporters explain why Ian Byrne has thought it necessary to start a petition for the legislation?Interesting that he has not chosen the parliamentary petition web site. One wonders how much power the state has to interfere with the truth."Bid to reintroduce Hillsborough Law draft blocked"https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c70r58xxrnwohttps://actionnetwork.org/petitions/pass-the-hillsborough-law-now

Ed Robinson ● 13d

Oh but that's where you are wrong (again) Philippa.  Me and many hundreds of thousands of others are very concerned and dissatisfied with the way the Labour government is failing to get a grip on all kinds of issues, immigration in particular.  Btw the petition is now at 833,363!!

Sue Hammond ● 14d

A lot to do with being unhappy with the challenges the Govt has to face.  But you only seem to be interested in watching the numbers go round.  Whatever floats your boat!

Philippa Bond ● 14d

Now 830,000 signatures!

Sue Hammond ● 15d

Now 825,159 signatures!

Sue Hammond ● 15d

818,883 signatures now!

Sue Hammond ● 16d

Going up steadily now at 811,853.Does anyone agree that they delivered this?"This Government is fixing the foundations and delivering change with investment and reform to deliver growth, with more jobs, more money in people’s pockets, to rebuild Britain and get the NHS back on its feet. This will be built on the strong foundations of a stable economy, national security and secure borders as we put politics back in the service of working people."They killed growth and a increase in employment tax has meant not only less new jobs but an increase in redundancies.

Ed Robinson ● 17d

Philippa, you're at it again.  What does that have to do with the petition?

Sue Hammond ● 18d

Are there any more super injunctions to come out of the woodwork and promises of payments for injustices that have happened that haven't been paid yet by the previous Government I wonder?

Philippa Bond ● 18d

Still climbing ~ 807,350 signatures!

Sue Hammond ● 18d

The problem is once they are in you can hide all sorts of things as recent super injunctions about Afghanistan has shown.Suppose someone comes along and says whatever people want to get elected buy doesn't believe any of it and then gets effectively absolute power.Imagine living in a country like that? Just shows you how lucky we are!

Ed Robinson ● 20d

That is exactly what the petition is all about Steven and nothing to do with a referendum.  It is sending a very clear message that many, many people are not happy with Labour and they want a chance to boot them out of government.  782,622 signatures now.

Sue Hammond ● 20d

"I am going to hate it when Farage becomes PM"But it won't be much of a surprise for you what happens.His supporters may get one though.

David Ainsworth ● 21d

@sue - you're right, I am going to hate it when Farage becomes PM but I believe in democracy so therefore it is what it is.However, signing this petition is still a waste of time. It's not going to get you an election.

Michael Brigo ● 21d

I don't understand the relevance of the Referendum. Keir Starmer is clearly not obliged to call an election just because hundreds of thousands sign a petition. But the number of signatories is an indication of the mess his government has made since coming to power.

Steven Rose ● 21d

Is this perhaps the quote? It is however from just before the Referendum:-"The question of a second referendum was raised by Mr Farage in an interview with the Mirror in which he said: "In a 52-48 referendum this would be unfinished business by a long way. If the Remain campaign win two-thirds to one-third that ends it.""https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-eu-referendum-36306681https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/nigel-farage-wants-second-referendum-7985017

David Ainsworth ● 21d

@Ivonne 16.08.25 15.32You won't find it because he didn't say it.  Nice try though on spinning the Mirror tag line.

Sue Hammond ● 21d

"best stay in the EU and, in the UK's case, have a major influence on them."We are not in the EU nor the EEA. This is why I hold those with extreme views either side responsible.The UK probably would have never left if they were given regular referendum in the various treaties just like other countries.I'm not saying that they would have voted for them but the lack of democracy in the UK has resulted in bad outcomes IMO.

Ed Robinson ● 21d

It would appear better that the deal Johnson said, but as a Norwegian minister said at the time, one has to follow all the rules  ut don't have any say in making them, so best stay in the EU and, in the UK's case, have a major influence on them. More nonsense from Farage.

Michael Ixer ● 21d

Farage appears to putting the case for remaining in the European Economic Area.A sensible compromise?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtNr4z3YrYo

Ed Robinson ● 21d

Farage certainly.made the statement in May, https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-eu-referendum-36306681.amp

Michael Ixer ● 22d

Hello again, I am afraid I cannot find that specific comment by Farage (and cannot bear looking through the 10 hour long BBC's coverage of the referendum)! I found the photograph below but it was a comment made in May 2016 not on the night of the referendum.  There are articles in The Times and Metro but you need to subscribe to them. This will have to do for now.  If I find it later on, I will send it to you!!! 

Ivonne Holliday ● 22d

Hello Sue,I will try and find it for you.  I remember it clearly shown on TV after the referendum result was announced.  I am not too sure if it was on the night it was announced or the day after.  I think it was the former.

Ivonne Holliday ● 22d

Please show me his actual quote Ivonne.

Sue Hammond ● 22d

Even Farage said, when the results of the 2016 referedum were announced, that the result was not conclusive as the difference of votes at 3.8% was too small.  An acceptable result when there was a 6% and above difference.

Ivonne Holliday ● 22d

"With their huge majority Labour seem comfortable..."I assume you mean a huge majority of seats because they only got 33.7% of the popular vote with a turnout of 59.7%.As for the referendum it was 51.89% vs 48.11% so Labour got nowhere near the referendum result which had a 72.21% turnout.That said any sensible person or party should have recognised that the referendum result was very close and compromised. But not so the hardline Brexiteers, Remainers and opportunists - they would rather the UK sink. A plague on all their houses as they say.The UK democracy needs reform and if those in power do not deliver we may actually get Reform!

Ed Robinson ● 22d

The number of signatories to that petition in 2016 was beyond extraordinary.But, as you say, it was a waste of time.

Ivonne Holliday ● 22d

I recall some participants of this Forum scoffing at a petition which some 4,150,262 signed back in 2016. That turned out to be a waste of time too!

Jonathan Callaway ● 22d

You know the answer to that, Sue; as has been said before the petition won't make a difference. Interesting, that Trump seems to be ok with Starmer even if he is a "liberal". One wonders if, given his training as a barrister, Starmer can be very persuasive in one-to-one and other smaller meetings?A lot can happen in the next four years. I've seen some criticism of Reform's handling of councils - cancelling meetings, putting inexperienced ~18 year olds in charge, etc - but I've not seen anything positive, even in news feeds that give a right wing view of the news. But, I guess they're even less experienced at government than Labour …With their huge majority Labour seem comfortable until the next election, although that wouldn't rule out a change of PM. I've seen some say the proscribing of Palestine Action could be Starmer's "poll tax" moment, particularly if the courts rule against the proscription. Personally, I doubt enough care about PA as, unlike the "poll tax", not many are affected, but one wonders if someone else were to take over who it might be? And, if they were pro EU, would they have the nerve to go for another referendum to rejoin :-) Apparently polls now show a majority believe Brexit was a mistake - perhaps people are fed up with queues when going on holiday and business trips, and many small businesses still seem to find exporting problematic:https://yougov.co.uk/politics/articles/52410-nine-years-after-the-eu-referendum-where-does-public-opinion-stand-on-brexit

Michael Ixer ● 22d

Now 767,761 signatures !!Have you signed it yet Michael? 😸You're gonna hate it when Farage becomes our next PM!😹

Sue Hammond ● 23d

There's quite comprehensive rules determining the asking of questions in the HoC, some of them being randomly selected - see the Google AI summary below. I suspect over time the number of questions will be limited by the number of MPs a party has, although at PMQs the ruling party and official opposition have preference. As Reform only has four MPs (unless that's changed by resignations, expulsions or defections from the Tory party since Wikipedia was last updated), that woul presumably limit the number of questions they get to ask. I doubt whether the speaker has a significant influence but I'm sure he's no fan of Reform.Looking at this recent Independent article, perhaps Mr Farage should check his facts before opening his mouth rather than criticise others? Of course, it's always been recommended that even when one had an EHIC rather than a GHIC card that having travel insurance was sensible just in case repatriation was needed after illness or accident. Or perhaps he did know and was just trying to stirup trouble again?https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/uk-eu-entry-travel-insurance-proof-farage-ees-b2806924.htmlAI Overview

In the UK Parliament, questions to government ministers can be asked either orally during Question Time or in writing. Oral questions are limited in number and time, with the order determined by a random "shuffle" of submitted questions. Written questions, however, can be submitted in unlimited numbers and are answered in writing.

Oral Questions:Allocation:MPs can submit one question per department, with a maximum of two questions per day. A separate ballot exists for topical questions.
Tabling:Oral questions must be tabled at least three days before the relevant Question Time (excluding Fridays and weekends).
Order:The order in which questions are asked during Question Time is determined by a random computer "shuffle".
Restrictions:There are limits on the number of oral questions a member can table in a year and the number they can have on the Order Paper at any one time.
Topical Questions:These are a special type of oral question, usually seeking a statement from the Minister on their departmental responsibilities.

Written Questions:Allocation: MPs can submit any number of written questions. Answer: Written answers are provided by ministers, usually within 90 minutes of being given. Availability: Both questions and answers are published online, often the day after tabling or answering, respectively.
Other Important Points:Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs):The Leader of the Opposition and the leader of the second-largest opposition party have specific allocations of questions at PMQs.
Urgent Questions (UQs):MPs can apply to the Speaker to ask an Urgent Question, which must relate to a matter of public importance and require an urgent answer.
Business Questions:MPs can ask the Leader of the House questions about the business of the House.

Michael Ixer ● 23d

Ivonne -13/8 19.18Now 746,310 signaturesHi Ivonne.  Yes I knew because I do check the status of the petition daily and check the number as it continues its meteoric rise.  Every time I read a disparaging article, (of which there are many), about this calamitous Government, and if the newspaper has a comments section, I post the following:This inept and duplicitous Labour government must go!  There is a petition on Gov.UK calling for an immediate GE and it currently has: 720,245 signatures!  The official link is below so if you want them out please sign and share.https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/727309I do this because I suspect many people, especially the older generation, may not be aware of the petition and it is easy for them to click on the link and be taken straight there. We all know that Starmer will not call an election but the petition will send a very clear message that he and his bunch of inept clowns will definitively not serve a successive term in power.  The 'debate' will have to take place but it will be a sham.  I expect that Nigel Farage, Lee Anderson and Richard Tice will all want to question/challenge Starmer but they will be stymied by Lindsay Hoyle who was a long-standing Labour member and supporter.  And almost as biased as *Burko.  *Deliberate misspelling ...

Sue Hammond ● 24d

"This Government was elected on a mandate of change at the July 2024 general election. Our full focus is on fixing the foundations, rebuilding Britain, and restoring public confidence in government..."At least they have a sense of humour!

Ed Robinson ● 24d

Thank you so much, Michael, for posting the link.I am, and continue to be, so cross that did not think of the link because I just scrolled down on the page where it says it will be discussed once it receives 100,000 signatures.....  Very thoughtless of me!Thank you once again! :-) :-)

Ivonne Holliday ● 24d

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/727309?reveal_response=yes#response-threshold

Michael Ixer ● 24d

Hello Sue,Have you seen the number of signatories to the petition?  It is slightly over 725,000 a few minutes ago.However, the Cabinet Office has responded to the petition.  Please read the response.  I am not surprised.

Ivonne Holliday ● 24d

Mr Rose'I wonder how many of those contributors to the Forum who before the election argued that a vote for Labour would be a vote for decency,  social justice and economic growth, are now feeling buyers’ remorse in the light of freebies for government minister, a crushing inheritance tax on cash-poor farmers and a black hole approaching £50 billion thanks to Rachel Reeves’ disastrous tax raid on employers.'But they must surely be impressed by Mrs Starmer who I am sure used her freebie tickets to Ascot races to put on a big bet in order to try to fill Rachel's black hole !

John Hawkes ● 28d

It can hit 20 million, it's still not going to get you an election.

Michael Brigo ● 28d

Now 542,727 signatures.  This is remarkable.

Sue Hammond ● 28d

" Rishi and his ministers (as far we know) bought their own clothes.."Billions missing during the pandemic with contracts given to chums whist Labour neglected their duty to hold them to account. They both take it in turns damaging the standard of living of the average citizen.How anyone can defend the uni-party party is beyond comprehension!Look at the Afghan war that both parties spent decades supporting and it's still costing us billions each year. Has anyone of these carpetbaggers been held to account?It takes decades for the public to find out that the government has lied to them yet we have zero prosecutions and zero accountability in the UK. The worst that happens to them is that they ended up with titles and in the House of Lords.

Ed Robinson ● 28d

Succinctly put Steven👏🏻and yet there are still some posters who seemingly still support them. 538,551 signatures in less than 9 weeks and it will remain open until 5th December.  At the rapid rate it is now escalating it won't be too long before it hits a million!

Sue Hammond ● 28d

Is that choice based on reason or prejudice? Consider the evidence:-The Tories left a black hole of £7 billion according to the OBR, which Labour pretend was £20 billion, and now it's actually £50 billion.- The Tories had a plan in place to deter illegal migrants which Labour scrapped, with the result that more people have crossed the Channel this year than ever before.- Rishi Sunak brought inflation down to 2.2% and now it's running at 3.6%.- The Tories rejected Treasury advice to withdraw WFA and impose IHT on farms, while Labour did both.-The Tories resisted excessive pay claims by the BMA while Labour caved in on taking iffice and are now facing further strikes.- Rishi and his ministers (as far we know) bought their own clothes while Keir Starmer and his cabinet colleagues received freebies.

Steven Rose ● 28d

Hello David,Yes, I heard those statistics too.  It really goes to show what a lamentable state the UK politics are in....

Ivonne Holliday ● 28d

Voting intention in the United Kingdom 2020-2025Published by Statista Research Department, Aug 5, 2025"In August 2025, approximately 21 percent of people in the UK would vote for the governing Labour Party in a potential general election, behind Reform UK on 27 percent, with the Conservatives third on 17 percent. Since returning to power, support for the Labour Party has fallen considerably, with the government's sinking approval rating approaching the unpopularity of the previous government."

David Ainsworth ● 28d

Didn't vote for them, still prefer them to the Tories.

Michael Brigo ● 28d

Hello Steven,I think many people on the Forum wanted the Conservatives out.  It always happens after 12 years (as in the case of Maggie Thatcher and John Mayor) or 14 years as it happened in 2024. On the whole, it was a vote for change which was very much needed at the time.  Was it for the better?  Hmmm Was it for worse?  Who knows?  What are you comparing it with?That people said that a vote for Labour would be a vote for decency, social justice and economic growth, I cannot remember this in particular.  But I agree that this Labour government has been very disappointing indeed (to put it politely).  The famous £22b black hole inheritance from the Tory government - never saw any evidence of this, not a single spreadsheet.  We only had their word for it.The first shock was the withdrawal of the WFA. Then came the increase of NI for employers, then came the questionable inheritance tax on farmers....  And now, the black hole is almost £50b - who will they blame for this?But, as I said before, sadly there is not one electable politician, forget about a party, in the UK at the moment.  All very depressing indeed.

Ivonne Holliday ● 28d

I wonder how many of those contributors to the Forum who before the election argued that a vote for Labour would be a vote for decency,  social justice and economic growth, are now feeling buyers’ remorse in the light of freebies for government minister, a crushing inheritance tax on cash-poor farmers and a black hole approaching £50 billion thanks to Rachel Reeves’ disastrous tax raid on employers.

Steven Rose ● 28d

Over half a million now but I recall some participants of this Forum scoffing at a petition which some 4,150,262 signed back in 2016. That turned out to be a waste of time too!

Jonathan Callaway ● 29d

I totally agree with you, Ed.  I said in my post:"However, I can see the Government's response will be that they were elected by a majority and will not call an election before they need to, namely by August 2029....." It is not what I believe in, it is the government's response.  As you say, they got the majority of seats in the HoC but it translates to 33.7% of the vote makes them the winners when 63% of the electorate did not vote for them. And the distribution of seats in the House does not represent the true result of the election.That is the problem with FPP system.....

Ivonne Holliday ● 29d

I can't disagree apart from the fact they were not elected by a majority. They won a majority of seats yes, but with 33.7% of the vote.Let's not over egg their mandate or our democracy.https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_United_Kingdom_general_election

Ed Robinson ● 29d

The pretence that we have had a two party system a not a uni party for the vast majority of the last few decades continues.As for the almost half a million petition it is correct it las little chance of success. However it is likely to have more impact than posting on this forum - so why bother?

Ed Robinson ● 29d

The petition is nearing 500,000 at the moment. These petitions are a good indicator as to how people feel.However, I can see the Government's response will be that they were elected by a majority and will not call an election before they need to, namely by August 2029.....Also, at the moment, there is not one single party, let alone a politician, that is eligible to govern, not one!  So the alternatives are, in my view, dire.  So, will the cure be worse than the disease?  Very depressing indeed!

Ivonne Holliday ● 29d

"you might end up with a LibDem, Green, SNP coalition …"PLUS The Allotment Party.

David Ainsworth ● 29d

Careful what you wish for … with the apparent demise of the two party system, the option of six or more parties and the vagaries of the FPTP system you might end up with a LibDem, Green, SNP coalition …

Michael Ixer ● 29d

@GillbeWhat a bloody stupid comment🙄

Sue Hammond ● 29d

:-)

Michael Ixer ● 29d

Omentum seems apposite

Charles Gillbe ● 29d

I don't have a strong feeling eithe way but a petition has absolutely zero chance of success in forcing an election.Not signed - absolutely no point.

Michael Brigo ● 29d

It seems every time we pretend to change government we become poorer and national debt grows. A new lot of self serving and lying carpet baggers then take office.Labour through a cheap political point scoring exercise immediately sank growth and has managed to double the so called black hole in the budget. Not to mention their attack on free speech.I not sure that I would vote for any of the political parties and I think our only hope is to move closer to direct democracy with a complete reform of our secrecy laws. You can not have democracy without transparency.However being practical we must vote out of office all those that deceive and are corrupt as quickly as possible at every level.Signed.

Ed Robinson ● 29d