Overview
- An online petition calling for an immediate General Election has reached roughly 1.06 million signatures, triggering parliamentary consideration.
- The Westminster Hall debate is scheduled for 4:30pm on January 12, with Conservative MP John Lamont opening and Labour’s Anna Turley replying for the Government.
- Under the petitions system, 100,000 signatures prompt a debate that does not compel the Government to act.
- The Cabinet Office reiterated that the Prime Minister may request a dissolution within the five-year Parliament under the restored royal prerogative, and the Government says it is focused on delivering its 2024 mandate.
- Signatures are heavily concentrated in Essex seats, led by Brentwood and Ongar with 3,210, while a snap election remains considered unlikely given Labour’s large Commons majority.