MPs debate million-signature petition calling for immediate general election

Members of Parliament debated a petition calling for an immediate general election that garnered over one million signatures, Independent.co reported.

Conservative former minister John Lamont said voters feel "utterly betrayed" by the Labour government, which has been in power for 18 months. Labour MP Patrick Hurley described the petition as an "irresponsible" expression of dissatisfaction rather than a considered proposal for better governance.

Labour Party chair Anna Turley defended the government, saying fulfilling manifesto commitments "takes time" and pointing to achievements since taking office. The debate follows the 2024 general election, in which Sir Keir Starmer led Labour to a substantial majority and ended 14 years of Conservative rule.

The report did not say whether the petition will trigger an election, and the parliamentary exchanges reflected starkly different views on its significance.

Key Topics

Politics, Keir Starmer, Labour Party, Conservative Party, John Lamont, Anna Turley