Over 2 Million in the UK Call for New General Election Just Months After the Last One

An online petition calling for a second General Election has gained over two million signatures, less than 200 days after this July’s General Election.

The petition, created by Michael Westwood, demands a re-run of the election, claiming that the current Labour Government has failed to keep promises made during the campaign.

Under UK law, the government must respond to petitions that receive more than 10,000 signatures, and Parliament will consider them for debate if they surpass 100,000. The petition has gone viral, with notable figures like Elon Musk sharing it on social media. Musk shared a screenshot of the petition with a brief comment: “Wow.”

However, Labour leader Keir Starmer has dismissed the petition, telling ITV’s This Morning that it was not surprising that some people who did not vote for Labour in the last election now want another one. “That isn’t how our system works,” he added, emphasising that he focuses on the day-to-day decisions he must make as Prime Minister. Starmer acknowledged the role’s challenges but said, “I wouldn’t swap a single day in opposition for a day in power.”

While the petition has garnered significant support from British citizens, a notable portion of the signatures come from abroad, and individuals outside the UK voter base are encouraged to participate.

The petitioner has said Labour has ‘gone back’ on their promises (Picture: Reuters)

Some social media posts have urged people from countries like the US, Israel, and Europe to sign the petition, even sharing lists of UK postcodes to bypass identification requirements. With no ID verification, participants only need a valid email address and postcode to sign.

The petition’s rapid growth follows discontent with the Labour Government’s handling of critical issues, including its first Budget. Protests erupted this week, with farmers driving tractors to London to voice opposition to changes in the Inheritance Tax that would affect family farms. Labour’s plans to reduce taxes, inflation, mortgage rates and promises to cut NHS wait times have also been scrutinised.

The petition’s rise coincides with the recent controversy over Labour’s employment rights agenda, which will not be implemented until 2026. Employment Minister Alison McGovern defended the delayed rollout, stating that the bill would go through several parliamentary stages and that the government would work with various bodies, including the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), to shape it.

Labour has faced additional backlash, particularly from the farming community. During last month’s Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced changes that would impose a 20% levy on family farms valued over £1 million. The move sparked protests in Westminster, with farmers chanting, “Keir Starmer, the farmer harmer.”