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Petition · past parliament · Office of the Leader of the House of Commons

Make it a requirement for MPs to participate in all votes

Closed 195 signatures

What the petition asks

We demand that Members of Parliament (MPs) no longer be allowed to abstain on parliamentary votes. MPs are paid to do a job and we believe abstaining does not represent their constituents and is a dereliction of responsibility.
Time and again we see key votes in the House of Commons being passed because MPs abstain, thus allowing the motion to succeed. We believe abstention is an MPs not doing their job fully. They should canvass their electorate and vote on all issues. Abstention can contribute to party politics being allowed to override matters that impact directly on constituents. Enough is enough and we expect MPs to stand up and be counted, No more abstaining.

Timeline

20 Sep 2021 Petition opened for signatures
20 Mar 2022 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 195
Status Closed
Department Office of the Leader of the House of Commons
Opened 20 Sep 2021
Closed 20 Mar 2022

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.