Massive Public Backlash as Nearly 750000 People Demand a General Election Now

Sir Keir Starmer has been forced to respond after a petition calling for an immediate general election surged past 700,000 signatures. At the time of writing, 747,551 people had signed, sending a clear signal of frustration with the current Labour government. The wording of the petition is simple but blunt: “We want an immediate general election to be held. We think the majority need and want change.”

Under the rules, petitions only need 10,000 signatures to get an official government response. This one has smashed through that threshold, and the reply from the government has not done much to cool anger. According to Birmingham Live, the response insisted: “This Government was elected on a mandate of change at the July 2024 general election.

Our full focus is on fixing the foundations, rebuilding Britain, and restoring public confidence in government. The Prime Minister can call a general election at a time of their choosing by requesting a dissolution of Parliament from the Sovereign within the five-year life of a Parliament.”

The reply doubled down on Labour’s position, stressing that they were elected with a promise to deliver growth, rebuild Britain and get the NHS back on its feet. It said this will be built on “the strong foundations of a stable economy, national security and secure borders as we put politics back in the service of working people.”

The Daily Star reported further comments from the government, which pointed out that Labour inherited a huge hole in the public finances when it came to power. “On entering office, a £22 billion black hole was identified in the nation’s finances,” they said. “We inherited unprecedented challenges, with crumbling public services and crippled public finances, but will deliver a decade of national renewal through our five missions: economic growth, fixing the NHS, safer streets, making Britain a clean energy super-power and opportunity for all. This is what was promised and is what we are delivering.”

The government also highlighted its first Budget, which they claim freed up tens of billions to invest in Britain’s future while locking in stability and avoiding “devastating austerity.” They insisted it is protecting pay packets and focusing on long-term solutions rather than “sticking plasters.”

In their words, “Mission-led government rejects the sticking-plaster solutions of the past and unites public and private sectors, national, devolved and local government, business and unions, and the whole of civil society in a shared purpose. The Government will continue to deliver the manifesto of change that it was elected on.”

Despite these assurances, the sheer scale of the petition shows how many people feel change is needed sooner rather than later. Whether Sir Keir chooses to stand firm or bow to growing pressure, one thing is clear: the demand for an early election is not going away quietly.