(Currently awaiting approval before publication on Parliament’s website)
Currently political parties can ask MPs to vote in a particular way through ‘the whip’. This is widely regarded as an instruction from the party leaders and, according to Parliament’s website, defying a three-line whip can result in an MP being effectively expelled from their party.
Party endorsement at the next election obviously depends on MPs sharing the overall aims of the party. But if it depends on them voting according to the party line on every specific issue, their ability to vote in good conscience, in the best interests of all their constituents, is seriously undermined.
We ask that political parties be banned from asking MPs (openly or through coded messages) to vote in a particular way on any particular issue.
As of 14th September, this petition is waiting for pre-publication approval (which usually takes a week or so, but can take three weeks or more).
This is one of a number of constitutional reform petitions I’ve started. Please also look at the others and sign any that you agree with. (Link opens in a new tab)
Local Sovereignty 