After more than 700,000 people signed a petition calling for a new general election, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said no. The petition, posted on the UK Parliament’s official website, asked for another vote to happen now instead of waiting until 2029. People who signed said they believed most of the country wanted change.
Because the petition received far more than the 10,000 signatures needed, the Government was required to respond. In its reply, the Government said it was already elected in July 2024 with a promise to deliver change, and that its focus is on repairing the country, restoring trust, and improving people’s lives.
They explained that the Prime Minister can ask the King to dissolve Parliament and hold an election any time within the five-year term, but they believe now is not the right time. Instead, they want to carry on with their plans, which include boosting the economy, creating more jobs, raising wages, rebuilding public services, and fixing the NHS. They also aim to strengthen national security, control borders, and make the country a leader in clean energy.
The Government says it came into office to find a £22 billion gap in the nation’s finances, along with failing public services and big challenges. They promise a “decade of national renewal” focusing on five main goals: economic growth, repairing the NHS, making streets safer, leading in clean energy, and giving everyone fair opportunities.
The first Budget, they say, freed up tens of billions of pounds to invest in the country’s future, avoided deep cuts to services, and protected workers’ incomes. They argue they are not relying on short-term fixes but working with businesses, unions, and all levels of government to achieve lasting improvements.
Despite this, a recent YouGov poll shows that half of Labour voters are unhappy with the Government’s performance so far.
