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E-petitions could set MP debates E-petitions could set MP debates
(about 1 hour later)
Members of the public could soon be able to suggest topics for House of Commons debates via e-petitions.Members of the public could soon be able to suggest topics for House of Commons debates via e-petitions.
The development follows the popularity of a similar system introduced in 10 Downing Street last year.The development follows the popularity of a similar system introduced in 10 Downing Street last year.
The government has accepted a report by the Commons procedure committee which also says ministers should reply to all petitions received within two months.The government has accepted a report by the Commons procedure committee which also says ministers should reply to all petitions received within two months.
The committee's chairman, Tory MP Greg Knight, said e-petitions would make Parliament more "transparent".The committee's chairman, Tory MP Greg Knight, said e-petitions would make Parliament more "transparent".
'Easier access''Easier access'
The MPs are promising to come up with a "worked-up and practicable system in due course".The MPs are promising to come up with a "worked-up and practicable system in due course".
The committee also wants the texts of petitions to be published in Hansard and is calling for "easier access" to them on the Parliament website.The committee also wants the texts of petitions to be published in Hansard and is calling for "easier access" to them on the Parliament website.
Mr Knight, MP for Yorkshire East, said: "A successful e-petitioning system could play an important part in revitalising the relationship between Parliament and people."Mr Knight, MP for Yorkshire East, said: "A successful e-petitioning system could play an important part in revitalising the relationship between Parliament and people."
Earlier this year more than 1.7 million people signed an anti-road pricing petition on the Downing Street website, which attracts about six million visitors a month.Earlier this year more than 1.7 million people signed an anti-road pricing petition on the Downing Street website, which attracts about six million visitors a month.
But the e-petitions received by Number 10 do not have any role in deciding debates.But the e-petitions received by Number 10 do not have any role in deciding debates.
Mr Knight said: "I welcome the government's positive response to our report.Mr Knight said: "I welcome the government's positive response to our report.
"The recommendations which the government has accepted today will make petitioning the House of Commons more transparent and productive, in particular by requiring the government to respond to the issues and concerns raised by petitioners.""The recommendations which the government has accepted today will make petitioning the House of Commons more transparent and productive, in particular by requiring the government to respond to the issues and concerns raised by petitioners."
But the committee is not recommending ending the current system, under which all petitions have to be backed and presented to Parliament by an MP.But the committee is not recommending ending the current system, under which all petitions have to be backed and presented to Parliament by an MP.
In a written statement, Commons leader Harriet Harman said: "The government agrees that it would be appropriate to make positive use of the opportunities provided by moderncommunications practices to enable the House to engage with the publicthrough an e-petitioning system."
However, the effects could "only be fully assessed when it is clearer how e-petitioning would fit into the system".
Last month, the Conservatives' democracy taskforce called for a "full-blooded entry into online activities" in a bid to increase interest in Parliament.Last month, the Conservatives' democracy taskforce called for a "full-blooded entry into online activities" in a bid to increase interest in Parliament.
Party leader David Cameron said: "I would like to see a system whereby, if enough people sign an online petition in favour of a particular motion, then a debate is held in Parliament, followed by a vote - so that the public know what their elected representatives actually think about the issues that matter to them."Party leader David Cameron said: "I would like to see a system whereby, if enough people sign an online petition in favour of a particular motion, then a debate is held in Parliament, followed by a vote - so that the public know what their elected representatives actually think about the issues that matter to them."