Petition · past parliament · Cabinet Office
Make MPs who are absent from their constituency and Parliament subject to recall
Closed
2,958 signatures
What the petition asks
A recall petition is opened if an MP is suspended from the Commons for ten sitting days, or certain convictions. However, there is no sanction for MPs who choose to be absent from constituency and Parliament while House sits. Constituencies should expect a minimum standard of service from their MP.
The nature of the MP's role means that they may be required to work some distance from home, but there are long recesses when Parliament does not sit. There are nonetheless reports of MPs taking holidays or otherwise choosing to be absent when the House is sitting.
If MPs are absent from their constituency and Parliament for 10 sitting days, we believe they are failing to provide their constituency with the representation the taxpayer is paying for. In this situation a recall petition should be opened so the constituency can decide whether to recall them.
If MPs are absent from their constituency and Parliament for 10 sitting days, we believe they are failing to provide their constituency with the representation the taxpayer is paying for. In this situation a recall petition should be opened so the constituency can decide whether to recall them.
Timeline
| 13 Jan 2023 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 13 Jul 2023 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
2,958
Status
Closed
Department
Cabinet Office
Opened
13 Jan 2023
Closed
13 Jul 2023
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.