MPs to debate petition signed by almost six million which calls for UK to remain in EU
Written by News on 27/03/2019
A petition signed by almost six million which calls on the government to revoke Article 50 and remain in the European Union will be debated in parliament on Monday.
It is the most-signed petition ever submitted to the UK Government and Parliament website.
Written by retired lecturer Margaret Georgiadou, it says: “The government repeatedly claims exiting the EU is ‘the will of the people’.
“We need to put a stop to this claim by proving the strength of public support now, for remaining in the EU. A People’s Vote may not happen – so vote now.”
After hearing when the petition would be discussed, Mrs Georgiadou, 77, tweeted: “We have six days to get the vote really high in time for their debate. Let’s get that vote astronomical and unsettle them!”
In its official response, the government said it would not revoke Article 50.
It added: “We will honour the result of the 2016 referendum and work with parliament to deliver a deal that ensures we leave the European Union.
“The government acknowledges the considerable number of people who have signed this petition.
“However, close to three-quarters of the electorate took part in the 2016 referendum, trusting that the result would be respected.”
Any petition that gathers 100,000 signatures or more is debated, and this one will be discussed in the Commons’ secondary chamber, Westminster Hall.
A government minister will be required to respond, but there will not be a vote.
MPs will also debate a petition calling for a second EU referendum, which has attracted more than 120,000 signatures.
A third petition with more than 140,000 signatures, which demands the UK leaves the EU without a deal on Friday, will also be considered.
(c) Sky News 2019: MPs to debate petition signed by almost six million which calls for UK to remain in EU
