Despite 183k people signing a petition calling for a General Election, the UK Government has declined the chance to hold one, and gone on a rant about how wonderful they are

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He’s staying put . . . for now(Image: PRU/AFP via Getty Images)

The UK Government has officially responded to an intensifying public campaign for an early General Election, flatly rejecting a petition that has now garnered more than 183,000 signatories. The petition, launched by campaigner Robert Barnes under the heading “Dissolve Parliament and call a General Election now!”, argues that the current administration has overstepped its initial mandate.

Barnes contends that since Sir Keir Starmer was elected on July 4, 2024, his Government has “introduced measures that were not included in the Labour Party’s manifesto,” leading to a vocal demand for a fresh trip to the ballot box.

However, in a formal response, the Cabinet Office clarified that the power to trigger an election remains a matter of “Prime Ministerial discretion”. Under current constitutional rules, the Prime Minister “may request a dissolution of Parliament from the Sovereign at any point within the five-year term”.

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More than 183k signed it(Image: Petitions – UK Government and Parliament)

But, they state: “Having secured a mandate in July 2024, the Government maintains it is focused on its commitment to the electorate . . . and remains focused on delivering the change the country voted for at the last General Election”.

Despite accusations from petitioners regarding non-manifesto policies, the Government is doubling down on its recorded milestones as evidence of progress, claiming: “Since coming into office, we have restored stability across government; and secured £340 billion of investment into our country.

Wages under this Government have increased more during our first year in office than under the previous 10 years of the last government.

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He’s going nowhere(Image: Getty Images)

“We have reduced NHS waiting lists by 225,000 and rolled out thousands of free breakfast clubs across the country. We have also increased the National Minimum Wage and our manifesto pledge to introduce an Employment Rights Act has now been passed into law.

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“We recognise people across the country want to see change in their everyday lives. As a result of the decisions this Government has taken, families will see £150 come off their energy bills this year, rail fares will remain frozen for the first time in 30 years and NHS prescription charges will be capped below £10.

“The Government will continue to deliver the manifesto of change that it was elected on.”

In short, those hoping for an early General Election will not be getting one any time soon, it seems.