The government has recommended that parliament accept
e-petitions as part of its attempt to "re-engage the public with
parliament and with politics".
Downing Street already runs an
online e-petition site
but a parliamentary one would carry more weight as it would see the
public making demands on all MPs, rather than just the prime
minister.
Parliament is expected to consider the government's proposals in
the autumn, once it returns from its long holiday.
The government says basic features of an e-petitioning system
for parliament should include features such as:
- E-petitions to be submitted via the parliamentary website
- If they comply with the House's rules, the petitioner's
constituency MP would be asked to act as facilitator
- The e-petition would then be posted on the parliamentary
website for a set period, with others able to add their names
- At the end of the period, the e-petition would be closed
Members would also be able to indicate support
- It would then be formally presented to the House (either
automatically or on the floor of the House)
Petitioners and signatories could opt in to receive updates on
the progress of the e-petition and/or up to two e-mails from their
constituency MP E-petitions would be printed in Hansard and the
government would normally be expected to reply within two months of
presentation
There would be opportunities for petitions to receive further
consideration with the House or by committee
More on the government proposals here >>
Councils should introduce e-petitions to boost citizen power
research paper >>