Step-by-step:
These steps are to present a petition formally in the Chamber, which gives you a chance to speak briefly about it. You can also present a petition informally, without speaking.
These steps are for you as an MP rather than your staff, although your staff can carry out step 1 on your behalf.
- Email the text of the petition to publicpetitions@parliament.uk, or take it to the Journal Office, to check that it’s correctly worded. For guidance on wording, look at the rules for petitions. You should have your petition checked before collecting signatures to avoid having to discard signatures that have been signed to a disorderly petition.
- You must give at least one sitting day’s notice of wishing to present a petition formally. A sitting day is a day when the House of Commons meets. The latest you can give notice is the previous sitting day. To give notice you can call the Clerk of Public Petitions (x3310) before 5.30pm or visit the Journal Office in person on the third floor above the Chamber up until the rise of the House.
- Bring the top sheet of the petition with you if you visit the Journal Office in person. If you call the Clerk of Public Petitions you should email the top sheet separately. It should contain the full text of the petition and the names, addresses and handwritten signatures of at least two petitioners (unless the petition is addressed as coming from a single petitioner, in which case one signature and address is fine). The Journal Office will check the petition. If you do this in person they will take a copy and give you back the original. If you do this by email the Journal Office will confirm the petition is in order.
- The Journal Office will also agree a neutral title for the petition with you. The title and your name will be printed on the Order Paper and in Hansard.
- If you have a relevant interest to declare, let the Journal Office know.
- Presentation of petitions takes place just before the Adjournment debate (the half-hour debate at the end of the day). On Monday, this is usually around 10pm, on Tuesday or Wednesday around 7pm, and on Thursday around 5pm. Keep an eye on business in the Chamber: you will need to be present in the Chamber even if the main business finishes early. You need to have the original hard copy of your petition (not a photocopy). The Speaker will call your name. You stand and say one or two short sentences about the petition. For example, you could mention how many people have signed it. If you have declared an interest, you must mention it when presenting your petition. Remember to keep your remarks brief.
- You then read the request the petition makes to the House, which is the part of the petition that starts “The petitioners therefore request that…”.
- Once you have finished speaking, walk down the Government side of the Table in front of where the Speaker sits and hand the petition to the clerk, who reads out the title of the petition.
- Take the petition from the clerk and give it to the doorkeeper who is waiting behind the Speaker’s Chair, or put it in the green bag behind the Speaker’s Chair.
You can watch a video of an MP presenting a petition formally: