MPs debated a petition on Monday (6 January) calling for a fresh general election after it received more than three million signatures, with thousands of residents from Somerset backing the call.

The petition, which accuses the Labour government of "going back on promises" made before the July 2024 general election, attracted significant local support, with 5,194 signatures from the Wells and Mendip Hills constituency, represented by Tessa Munt, and 5,530 from Glastonbury and Somerton, where Sarah Dyke is MP.

The debate took place in Westminster Hall, led by Jamie Stone MP, Chair of the Petitions Committee. While the discussion allowed MPs to raise concerns over public confidence in government policies, no vote or policy changes occurred, as petition debates serve to highlight public sentiment rather than enforce legislative action.

The petition was launched by Michael Westwood, a pub owner from the Black Country and Conservative voter, who claimed the current government had not upheld commitments made during the election campaign. Westwood, who attended the debate in person alongside Piers Corbyn, brother of former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, said the petition reflected "growing public frustration" over the direction of the government.

Westwood cited dissatisfaction with Chancellor Rachel Reeves' autumn budget, which introduced a rise in national insurance contributions for employers, as a key factor behind the petition's popularity. His concerns were echoed by many signatories who felt the policy conflicted with Labour's pre-election pledges.

However, the debate took a contentious turn when Labour MP Yasmin Qureshi accused the petition of being "hijacked" by political opponents and suggested it had been amplified through "foreign interference."

Speaking during the session, Ms Qureshi, MP for Bolton South and Walkden, said: "Petitions are usually used for particular issues of concern to people in the country. It is not normally used as a mechanism to hijack and play party politics. Some of the growth of this petition is due to misinformation and, yes, some foreign interference."

Her comments sparked a backlash from some MPs present, with critics questioning the evidence behind her claims.

The campaign gained additional attention when it was shared widely on social media by billionaire Elon Musk, who described the UK government as a "tyrannical police state." Musk's involvement further fuelled controversy, with accusations that the campaign's reach had been artificially inflated by bot activity and external influence.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has firmly rejected calls for a second election, stating that the results of the July 2024 general election had already provided a "massive mandate" for Labour's governance. Responding during Prime Minister's Questions last year, he said: "There was a massive petition on 4 July in this country – it was called a general election, and millions of people voted for Labour."

In its formal response to the petition on 6 December, the government said: "This Government was elected on a mandate of change at the July 2024 general election. Our full focus is on fixing the foundations, rebuilding Britain, and restoring public confidence in government."

While the debate raised concerns over voter dissatisfaction and public trust in government policies, no vote was held, and the petition will not directly lead to policy changes. Westminster Hall debates are intended to give MPs the opportunity to raise public concerns, rather than alter legislation directly.

The Petitions Committee continues to encourage the public to engage with the democratic process through official channels.