In a heated discussion among MPs today, Labour MP Yasmin Qureshi blamed “foreign interference” for the surge in signatures on a petition demanding a fresh general election.
The petition, which has gathered over three million signatures, accuses Labour of breaking promises made before July’s election.
According to Qureshi, the petition has also been “hijacked” by opponents of the Labour Party to play “party politics.”
Speaking during the Westminster Hall debate, Qureshi argued that public petitions should focus on real issues affecting citizens, not be used as a “mechanism to hijack and play party politics.”
She went on to criticize what she described as “misinformation” and alleged foreign involvement fueling the petition’s growth.
Petition’s Rapid Growth Fueled by Online Support
The online petition, started by Michael Westwood, a Tory voter and pub owner in the Black Country, has gone viral since its launch on November 20.
Billionaire Elon Musk, who owns social media platform X (formerly Twitter), shared the petition with his massive following, claiming that “the people of Britain have had enough of a tyrannical police state.”
While the petition gained momentum, allegations arose that many signatures were fraudulent, potentially added by malicious programs based outside the UK.
This raised questions about the legitimacy of the campaign, even as it became a focal point for political debate.
Prime Minister Responds to Opposition Criticism
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch used the petition to challenge Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer during Prime Minister’s Questions.
She pointed out the millions demanding a new election, suggesting discontent with Labour’s leadership.
However, Starmer countered by emphasizing the mandate Labour received during the July general election.
Referring to it as “a massive petition on 4 July,” he reminded critics that millions of voters had already expressed their support at the ballot box.
Michael Westwood Explains His Motivation
Michael Westwood, the petition’s creator, shared his frustration with Labour’s policies, particularly the October Budget, which included a national insurance hike for employers.
This measure sparked backlash from businesses and contradicted Labour’s election manifesto promise not to increase taxes on working people.
Speaking to the BBC, Westwood accused the Labour leadership of dishonesty, saying, “The people that are currently in charge of the country, in my opinion, lied to get there.”
He added, “It’s fantastic to see so many people agree with me—it shows I’m not alone in my views.”
Government Stands Firm Against Election Demands
Despite the petition’s popularity, Prime Minister Starmer has ruled out the possibility of a fresh general election.
Speaking to ITV, he expressed understanding for those who didn’t vote Labour in July and might want another chance to weigh in.
However, he emphasized that the system doesn’t work that way and reaffirmed his commitment to focusing on the decisions required to lead the country.
The government’s official response to the petition stated, “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.”
The Bigger Picture
While the petition has undeniably captured public attention, it highlights deeper tensions within the political landscape.
From foreign interference claims to frustrations over Labour’s economic policies, the situation underscores the challenges of navigating leadership during turbulent times.
For now, the government remains focused on its mandate, but the conversation sparked by the petition will likely continue.