MPs to Debate Pub Owner’s Petition for General Election Backed by Over 3 Million Signatures

A pub owner’s petition calling for a general election, which has gathered over three million signatures, will be discussed by MPs on Monday.

Keir Starmer became Prime Minister in July, but many people are already calling for another election. Michael Westwood, the pub owner behind the petition, believes it has sent politicians a strong message. He says the public is tired of being misled by both the current and past governments.

Westwood, who owns pubs like the Waggon and Horses in Oldbury, does not expect the debate to lead to a new election. However, he feels the petition has forced politicians to pay attention. “If you keep upsetting the public, they will raise their voices,” he said.

The petition claims Labour has failed to deliver on promises made during the last election. In some areas, over eight percent of people have signed it. Westwood is also unhappy with the current voting system, which allowed Labour to win a large number of seats with just 34% of the vote. He hopes to push for electoral reforms but has no plans to run for office himself.

He also criticized Chancellor Rachel Reeves for increasing National Insurance contributions, saying it will hurt the pub industry. “It’s only going to get worse,” he said.

Opposition politicians have different views on the petition’s popularity. Conservative MP Peter Bedford said it shows the public regrets their choice, accusing Labour of breaking promises, including a pledge not to raise taxes. SNP MP Kirsty Blackman criticized Labour’s first six months in power, accusing Starmer of betraying pensioners, maintaining controversial policies, and allowing energy bills to rise.

Labour, however, argues they were elected to bring change and are dealing with major challenges inherited from the previous government, including struggling public services and financial problems. They insist they are working on long-term improvements.