MPs clash in Westminster Hall over petition calling for immediate general election

Independent.co reports MPs clashed in Westminster Hall as they debated a petition titled Call an Immediate General Election that closed last month with 1,059,231 signatures and the line “We think the majority need and want change.” Leading the debate, Conservative former minister John Lamont said voters felt “utterly betrayed”, saying “This Labour government have now been in power for 18 months, and Britain is suffering as a result” and accusing the prime minister of being surrounded by advisers who lack clarity and a coherent plan.

Labour Party chair Anna Turley refrained from committing to an immediate vote, arguing that fulfilling manifesto commitments “takes time”. The exchange included wider clashes, with Conservative Mark Francois quipping “At least we buy our own glasses” and Labour’s Patrick Hurley warning the petition was “not a considered proposal for better governance”.

Turley set out measures she said the government had taken, including taking £150 off energy bills, lifting the living wage by £900 a year, extending the £3 bus fare, cutting interest rates six times, freezing prescription fees to keep costs under £10, lifting 500,000 children out of poverty and protecting the triple lock.

Key Topics

Politics, Anna Turley, John Lamont, Keir Starmer, Labour Party, Westminster Hall