Change the law, so that UK citizens can force an immediate General Election

A vote of no confidence in the Government can only be called by parliament. We believe this leaves majority governments in an almost untouchable position. We think governments can break promises or make decisions that are destructive and the electorate can do nothing until the next election.

We consider that citizens should be able to hold the government to account at all times, not just during General Elections. We would like the law to be changed so that a petition of 'no confidence' to parliament, containing the signatures of at least 51% of the population, means a General Election is immediately called.

The Prime Minister can call a general election at a time of their choosing by requesting a dissolution of Parliament from the Sovereign. The Government was elected by the British people on a mandate of change at the July 2024 general election.

It is a core constitutional principle that the government of the day derives its mandate to govern from its ability to command the confidence of the elected House of Commons. There are no plans to change this.

The Government is directly accountable to Parliament in a number of ways, such as Prime Minister’s Questions, opposition day debates, oral and written parliamentary questions, oral and written statements, debates in both Houses and select committee inquiries. The House of Commons is accountable to the people as its members are directly elected representatives from their respective constituencies.

This Government is securing Britain’s future through the Plan for Change, which is delivering security and renewal by kick-starting economic growth to put more money in working people’s pockets, rebuilding the NHS and strengthening our borders. This Government will continue to deliver the manifesto of change that it was elected on and serve the country in the national interest.

Cabinet Office