Petition for new general election branded 'ridiculously childish'

PlymouthLive readers have been discussing the news that a petition demanding a general election has gained significant traction, garnering support from politicians and public figures.

Hosted on the official government portal, the petition states: "I would like there to be another General Election. I believe the current Labour Government have gone back on the promises they laid out in the lead up to the last election."

Reform UK's MPs, including Rupert Lowe, are urging people to sign, saying: "Register your discontent, register your anger, register your disgust with this Labour Government. Send Starmer a message. Sign, share, and share again."

Notable endorsements include Olympic medallist Sharron Davies MBE and prominent educator Katharine Birbalsingh, who commented: "Wouldn't it be extraordinary if Parliament had to debate this?"

The petition has become one of the fastest-growing on record, reaching the threshold for an official government review at 10,000 signatures and potentially triggering a parliamentary debate if it reaches 100,000.

Labour, which seized power in 2024, has faced close examination for rolling out divisive policies like means-testing Winter Fuel Payments and implementing a rigorous tax-and-spend Autumn Budget.

Ministers argue these actions represent the difficult but necessary "tough choices" required to repair the "damage" left by their predecessors.

Commenter Doct says: “The Labour Party are only unpopular with those who realise that they mean business! Labour are intent on getting the UK back on track, and thankfully have been prepared to make difficult decisions which in time will show results. Now is not the time to lose one's nerve, just because things are temporarily tough.

Sunwack100 disagrees: “Starmer has broken every promise he made & added to his manifesto after becoming PM. He never said anything about the Pensioners Fuel Allowance or the Farm workers plus many more. He's a disgrace & seems like spending more time abroad rather than sorting out the problems in our country.”

Thewestisbest states: “We have been betrayed by Labour. We DEMAND a General Election NOW!”

Afterall points out: “We had one and Labour was voted in. I wonder how many of those signing the petition keep saying 'Brexit was voted for, get over it'."

PL4 thinks: “Of course we shouldn’t have an election, it's a ridiculously childish suggestion. Also, the rejoin the EU petition gained over 6 million signatures, far more than this one and that didn't make any difference.”

UselessHarold: agrees: “Don't be ridiculous. They have a whopping majority and they're not going to give it up any time soon. You lost - get over it.”

No2u adds: “The whole petition is flawed & full of fake signatures, people have very short memories!”

Do you think the petition should trigger a general election? Will Starmer go to the ballot boxes? Have your say in our comments section.