Petition · Cabinet Office, Ministry of Justice

Introduce Citizens’ Referendum System for Legislation

Open for signatures 75 signatures

What the petition asks

Introduce a citizens’ initiated referendum system, allowing the public to propose and vote directly on legislation when a minimum signature threshold is reached, modelled on Switzerland’s direct democracy system, which has operated successfully for over 150 years.
In our view, the UK’s current system gives citizens no direct say on the agreement or rejection of legislation between general elections. Switzerland allows its citizens to vote on legislation multiple times per year. We think this produces more accountable government, greater civic trust, and long-term political stability. We believe that giving UK citizens powers to initiate referendums on legislation could reduce political disillusionment, force Parliament to reflect genuine public will, and bring Britain in line with modern democratic standards seen in Switzerland.

Timeline

7 May 2026 Petition opened for signatures

Key facts

Signatures 75
Status Open for signatures
Department Cabinet Office, Ministry of Justice
Opened 7 May 2026

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.