"You can't have another vote just because you lost" petition demanding new general election causes divide

Hull Live readers have been discussing a petition demanding a general election that soared in popularity over the weekend, receiving endorsements from politicians and noted figures on social media. The official government platform-hosted petition reads: "I would like there to be another General Election. I believe the current Labour Government have gone back on the promises they laid out in the lead up to the last election."

Key Opposition members like Reform UK MPs saw this as a chance to amplify their stance, with Rupert Lowe MP encouraging signatures: "Register your discontent, register your anger, register your disgust with this Labour Government. Send Starmer a message. Sign, share, and share again."

Public support includes Olympic icon Sharron Davies MBE and influential educator Katharine Birbalsingh, who reflected on the impact, saying: "Wouldn't it be extraordinary if Parliament had to debate this?"

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Dubbed the fastest-growing plea in history, the 'fresh election' initiative zoomed into third place among most-supported petitions, crossing thresholds that ensue governmental review at 10,000 signatures and potentially triggering a Westminster debate upon reaching 100,000.

Since taking office in 2024, Labour has faced criticism for unveiling a string of contentious policies, including means-testing Winter Fuel Payments and a significant tax-and-spend Autumn Budget. Ministers argue these measures are necessary "tough choices" to rectify the alleged "damage" inflicted by the previous administration.

Commenter Stoyadinovich thinks: “We should have a new general election with people voting either Conservative or Reform. Many people would be voting for Reform, and who can blame them. I will be one of them, having previously voted Conservatives and Brexit. I wish the previous Conservatives were still in power as they got us into a good position before they left. Even a Reform/Conservative coalition government would be better than this current Labour government.”

Bertlepel disagrees and points out: “We should count ourselves lucky. We now have a government that makes decisions to shape and secure the nation's future prosperity and security. Not a party that simply courts electoral popularity or introduces policy to benefit their own contributors. Before accepting this petition people need to be aware of its two main backers, Elon Musk and Nigel Farage!”

Marc1904 adds: “Why call a general election? Labour are having to make tough choices because of the multi-billion black hole the Conservatives left them with and if that means taxing the more well off in society then so be it. They can cope until Labour settles the economy. They are mostly taxing the rich and the rich don't like it so they are kicking off about it.”

Nuttyginge21 states: “According to Mr Starmer, the people signing the petition for another general election didn’t vote Labour in the first place. I have voted Labour all my adult life but I signed the online petition because they have reneged on their promises to the normal working people. Shame on them.”

Fischerman thinks: “No need for another General Election. Labour should embrace more Socialist policies, increase the rates of Income Tax above the basic rate to fund, amongst other things, the pensioner winter fuel payments. Make the royal family pay tax on their income - or , better still, abolish this outdated institution altogether. Abolish the TV licence and fund the BBC properly from general taxation. No invitation to Trump - a convicted felon - to visit this country and address the Houses of Parliament.”

1stqueenofgreatlumley says: “Will all you right wing types understand something? You can't have another vote just because you lost. You kept telling everyone that about Brexit.”

Winchester75 states: “Petition is ridiculous. Labour has only been in power for 5 months. It's going to take a lot longer than that to see any benefits. Change for the better doesn't happen overnight. Going into the elections hard choices would have had to be made regardless of who actually got into Downing Street. No one can say with any certainty that the Tories would not have made the same cuts or worse.”

What are your thoughts? Should the Government be ruled by petitions? Should Starmer call a general election? Have your say in our comments section.