MPs' Guide to Procedure

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Find guidance on temporary procedures during the pandemic including voting, questions and statements. Members can find detailed guidance on participating virtually and voting on the Parliamentary intranet (please note: this link will only work if you have a parliamentary email account.)

Rules for paper petitions

A paper petition must:

  • be handwritten or printed on a plain sheet of paper in English (or accompanied by a translation that you state is correct) and contain no deletions or insertions
  • use moderate and respectful language
  • have a top sheet that includes the full text of the petition and the names, addresses and handwritten signatures of at least two petitioners (unless there is only one petitioner, in which case one signature and address is fine):
    • photocopies and electronic signatures are not permitted
    • the signatures and addresses must match the description of the petitioners: for example, if the petition is from Liverpool residents, the signatures and addresses must be of Liverpool residents
    • MPs usually present petitions from their constituents, but you can present a petition from any British citizen or UK resident who approaches you (if you do this, you should inform the local MP as a courtesy)
    • you must not sign a petition you intend to present (although you can sign a petition presented by another MP)

A paper petition must not:

  • refer to matters that are currently before the UK courts
  • ask directly for additional public money to be spent