𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

The Cabinet Office has issued an important update on ‘vote of no confidence’ powers, after thousands called for a change to current rules. Its message responds to a petition campaigning for the British public to have a say in these motions, when currently only MPs do.

A vote of no confidence is a motion that enables MPs from all parties to collectively decide whether they want a running government to remain in office. Any MP can call for a vote, although there is no guarantee their request will be accepted. 

Should a government lose a confidence vote in the House of Commons, a prime minister is expected to either resign or request a dissolution of Parliament from the King. If the King grants a dissolution, a general election would be triggered.

As part of the ongoing parliamentary petition, creators argue that, besides MPs, the British public should have ‘the democratic right’ to express when they have ‘lost trust in those elected to lead’. They add that such a right would ‘strengthen accountability’ while ensuring the current UK Government ‘remains answerable’ to the people it serves.

In response, the Cabinet Office acknowledged there is ‘plenty more to do’ in paving the way for ‘renewing Britain’s future’. However, as of now, it is confirmed there are ‘no plans’ to change arrangements regarding the vote of no confidence powers.

The Cabinet Office’s response, issued on September 4, reads: “In our parliamentary democracy, a government holds office by virtue of its ability to command the confidence of the House of Commons, the membership of which is chosen by the electorate in a general election. 

“It is through their votes, and through their Members of Parliament, that the voice of the electorate can be heard. Voters are able to make representations to their MPs, who in turn represent the views and interests of their constituents in Parliament. There are no plans to change these arrangements.

“This Government is focused on renewing Britain’s future. We know that for working people that means more money in their pockets, rebuilding our NHS, and strengthening our borders. That’s why, through our Plan for Change, we’ve kick-started the economic growth needed to turn these commitments into reality. 

“We know there’s plenty more to do, but with the foundations fixed, the work of securing Britain’s future can begin.”

As of now, the petition entitled ‘Give the British Public the Right to Vote No Confidence in the Government’ has just over 23,000 signatures. If it tops 100,000, it will be considered for a debate in Parliament.

You can read the petition in full here.