• Don't cut sickness benefit
    As someone who has already suffered by government cuts to sickness benefit, I know this cut will make life even more difficult for people living with disabilities. My wife and I both live with disabilities and can't work. But both of our sickness benefits have been stopped and we have to survive off of our savings. I have worked all my life, they do not care. £30 a week is a huge amount to cut, and another example of the government treating disabled people as second class citizens.
    19,505 of 20,000 Signatures
    Created by Alan Cooksey Picture
  • Green Party to be included in BBC political debate
    Voters are apathetic, as they perceive the establishment parties as not giving them enough choice. We need plurality in politics, not just the Establishment parties plus UKIP.
    14,844 of 15,000 Signatures
    Created by Donald Clark
  • No to Closure of Barnet Libraries
    The proposed savings of £2.85 million from the Library Services in Barnet threatens the existence of one of the last remaining community amenities we have left. Three options have been put forward by the Council to make these savings; all three will see a reduction in the quality and quantity of service provision. Option one will see the size of library cut in all but four libraries. This idea fails to understand that libraries are used for their space as well as their books; less places for pupils and students to study and read results in a reduction of the quality of service. Option two will see the closure of Burnt Oak, Childs Hill, Mill Hill, East Finchley, Osidge and South Friern Libraries and a significant reduction of staffing levels at the remaining libraries. This option does not consider how the remaining libraries will cope with increased footfall owning to the closure of the other libraries, particularly around peak library times. Option three is a mix of the two, with some libraries being handed over to community groups and reduced staffing elsewhere. Libraries are the embodiment of social provision and community spirit. They are more than just books; they offer children's activities during term and holidays which are used by parents and nurseries. They offer access to the internet to those that don't have access. They provide space for people to read and study in peace that is not always possible in their homes. They are places to host community events, training and education. I use the library for my daughter; renting books but mainly for their toddler activities. My nursery also go there regularly. Please sign this petition if you believe in the universal provision of literature, education and community services in Barnet. Say no to the erosion of this great social asset.
    5,978 of 6,000 Signatures
    Created by Alasdair Hill
  • Food bank button
    To add a button to food delivery that allows people to donate food to a local food bank. Or to give money to cover food and the supermarkets delivery costs to the said food banks. Families are going hungry in this country when there is more than enough food to go round. Most of us agree that this is a disgrace but it takes a real act of will to buy food and take it to a delivery point. This would make it a lot easier for people to do so and so increase the amount of food given. If supermarkets work with the food banks then the food given also could be better targeted to what is needed, Food banks gain, families in need are fed and supermarkets do some good.
    19 of 100 Signatures
    Created by Melanie Deans
  • Stop Putting the Clocks Back
    Abandoning British Summer Time in October is one of the most depressing events of the year. The early evening gloom that descends during the winter months benefits no one in England and Wales and lowers our spirits. There is apparently much support for this change in these two countries and there is also evidence that it would help the economy, save lives, improve people's health and reduce energy bills. It would have the effect of introducing a time zone at the border with Scotland during the winter months, assuming it chooses not to follow suit, but we would then be coordinated with Central European Time.
    242 of 300 Signatures
    Created by James Carr
  • Tell Boris, Don’t Frack London
    Millions of Londoners are now at risk with 80% of London (within the M25) offered to frackers as part of the 14th round of licensing. London Local Energy Ltd have already applied for licenses to frack in areas including Harrow, Wembley, Camden and Notting Hill. The plans would mean millions of us would be under threat from water pollution, toxic fumes and other dangers from this unproven technology. Despite this Mayor Boris Johnson has said that “if reserves of shale can be exploited in London, we should leave no stone unturned, or unfracked". This is from someone who's supposed to be representing and safeguarding the voices and best interests of the people of London. If we speak up London can follow in the steps of New York which won a 5 year moratorium on fracking until state health officials have conclusive scientific evidence on possible health and environmental risks. Fracking really is stoppable; 80% of recent fracking planning applications around the UK have been rejected by local councils. Now is the time for London to say no to fracking. Let’s act now to stop this disastrous and dangerous plan.
    1,026 of 2,000 Signatures
    Created by Talk Fracking
  • Don't let them drown
    Last year, the UK government said it was no longer willing to support rescue missions in the Mediterranean designed to come to the help of migrants who find themselves in distress at sea. This is in violation of internationally recognized minimum humanitarian standards. More than 20,000 men, women, and children are estimated to have lost their lives in the past two decades, while trying to cross the Mediterranean in search of a safe place to live. The majority of these people are refugees escaping violence, persecution, and hardship from countries like Libya and Syria. It is the duty of the international community and in particular the EU to minimize loss of life and do as much as possible to rescue as many people as possible.
    4,179 of 5,000 Signatures
    Created by Peter Skrandies Picture
  • Let's act to shelter Syrian refugees
    In June this year I visited the Lebanon. Whilst there I saw destitute refugee women and children begging on the streets, and I met young Syrians fleeing from their country. When I asked a teenager whose leg was bandaged whether he was studying, he shook his head. By way of explanation he told me he was from Syria. He raised his hands to his chest and gestured a broken heart as he said this. The UNHCR has confirmed that there are now over 3.2 million refugees from Syria. Over half are children. Most are in situations that are not sustainable in the long term. 80,000 refugees alone live in Zaatari, one of the world's largest refugee camps in the desert of Jordan. These are people who have lost loved ones, experienced violence and are unable to return to the places where they grew up and the lives that they had before. They are seeking safety. In her recent TED talk, the UNHCR's Melissa Fleming said that the average time a refugee spends in exile is 17 years. When we could be offering some thousands the chance of safety and education and a future in the UK, 'to thrive not just survive' as Melissa Fleming puts it, we are choosing not to do so. In January this year, the UK announced a commitment to resettling the most vulnerable Syrian refugees but since then we have resettled just 50. (4000 Syrians in total since the war began according to Home Office figures). By contrast Germany and Sweden sheltered 42,000 refugees last year. The UK's commitment to resettlement is not enough if we are not prepared to help people get here. I am calling on the leaders of the main political parties to show compassion and commit the UK government to giving resources to transport Syrian refugees here and fund their resettlement in the UK. Each person sheltered can be a life changed for the better. Let us lead the way and work with European countries to care for some of the victims of this devastating conflict. (Picture is of 3 year old Aisha Nour from Azaz, Syria, outside the container in which she and her family live at the 'Container City' refugee camp in Oncupinar, Turkey. Photograph by Sam Tarling.) More information: Refugee Council news 'UK resettles just 50 refugees from Syria' http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/latest/news/4144_uk_resettles_just_50_refugees_from_syria You can see UNHCR's Melissa Fleming's TED talk here http://www.ted.com/talks/melissa_fleming_let_s_help_refugees_thrive_not_just_survive?language=en
    451 of 500 Signatures
    Created by Flora Bain
  • Keep Support for Search and Rescue
    It is morally reprehensible to allow fellow humans to die when we are able to save them. Turning our backs on desperate people to let them die is not something that we would do as individuals and we shouldn't do this as a country. No research or evidence has been offered to back up the argument that current search and rescue causes a pull-factor. The issue needs to be addressed by resolving the issues at the root that put our fellow humans in the situation where they are willing to risk life and limb, simply letting them drown will do nothing other than killing people.
    72 of 100 Signatures
    Created by Sananda Poole
  • Save the Steps
    -The steps are an iconic place. They have been used extensively by demonstrators. For instance, in the run up to the Scottish Independence Referendum, the steps were widely used by both "Yes" and "No thanks" campaigners. -The steps are popular. Many people use them as a place to sit, eat their lunch, socialise and listen to buskers. -There aren't many places in Glasgow City Centre to sit. Apart from George Square, there really isn't anywhere you can sit. -The steps provide excellent views over Buchanan Street and beyond. These views are captured by local photographers and artists.
    16,773 of 20,000 Signatures
    Created by Ben Bookless
  • No Zip Wires in Glenridding - Ullswater
    The Lake District is a National Park, renowned for its outstanding beauty worldwide. It would be a travesty & contravention to many LDNP operatives, set back in 2007, in a document named LAKE DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK LANDSCAPE CHARACTER ASSESSMENT AND GUIDELINES, between the LDNPA, National Trust, Friends of the Lake District & Natural England, all of who are responsible for looking after the English Lake District. There might well be room for a new Zip Wire Development in the Lake District, but beautiful Lakeland Valleys should not be part of this plan. There are already 3 or more zip wire developments in the Lakes, which are based in new woodland, planted for growth, where noise generated is muffled by the surrounding environment. Should such an idea be considered, then surely this type of location is more suitable than a quiet & tranquil valley such as Greenside above Glenridding. The National Park themselves have already stated in their planning advice statement issued to the company concerned in April 2014 that they have significant concerns, including • The impact of development upon the landscape and character of the area • Access, traffic, travel and safeguarding the rights of way network • The impact of development upon the Scheduled Ancient Monument • The impact of development upon contaminated land • The impact of development upon ground stability and conditions • The impact of development upon the residential amenity of nearby dwellings (e.g. as a result of noise) • Ecological impacts (particularly impacts upon the SAC and the SSSI) Given that the land on which the starting point of the Zip Wire is proposed is owned by the Lake District National Park authority it is surely sensible for them to stop this idea now before it develops any further. Glenridding is supported in its entirety by the tourist trade - walkers, climbers, runners, mountain bikers, day trippers, and wedding parties - this list is not exhaustive. All of these people come to this area of the Lakes due to its peace, tranquillity and beauty. To introduce a THRILL seeking ride would change drastically the appeal of this area of the Lakes. Undoubtedly it can be argued that some new visitors would arrive in the valley & village, but many other existing visitors would be turned away. However it is not the perceived economic downfalls or benefits that should be the controlling factor here, it should more so be the reality that Glenridding & the English Lake District is one of the most beautiful mountainous areas in the world. People travel from all over the world to come & see it for its natural beauty, peacefulness, manicured farmland & raw nature that is & has been preserved by organisations such as the National Trust, LDNPA, FOLD etc, funded many years ago by people, such as Beatrix Potter & others, to keep this beauty & way of living for all to enjoy. Add this to the fact that many of the local people do not want such a development & there are also houses at the bottom of the valley who would be greatly affected. There are a house & hostels at the top of the valley who would also be directly affected (4 zip wires running directly over or within 25m's of their properties at a frequency of every 5 to 10 minutes as quoted by Mike Turner of Tree Top Treks). It is also worth mentioning the charity organisation who brings under privileged children from city environments to teach them about respecting nature and which may well face eviction from its current home to make way for the Zip Wire. Then there are all the other walkers, climbers & other valley & mountain users who will be affected. There is also the obvious issue of the massive amount of extra traffic to be generated on a stated bridleway (not road) - at least one large mini-bus/land-train every 20 to 30 minutes – this on a bridlepath the National park themselves have been looking to reduce traffic on with local residents in the last few years. Then there is the massive noise disruption and pollution to the valley, the people who live in it & use it, and the bird & animal populations. The list of practical and tangible issues and objections is endless. Overall though the fundamental point remains - such a proposed development is certainly not in keeping with any of the surrounding environment & it is on these grounds & these grounds alone that ANY zip proposal, let alone a Mile long set of 4 parallel Zip Wires should never be considered for Glenridding, or any other such Lakeland Valley or area.
    2,586 of 3,000 Signatures
    Created by Charles Sproson
  • Save Stonehenge World Heritage Site
    The Government proposes to widen the A303 trunk road to the south west. This road crosses the iconic Stonehenge World Heritage Site (WHS), which has been called “the most archaeologically significant land surface in Europe”. The whole site, extending to beyond the horizons around the famous stones themselves, is c. 5.4 km across. All of it makes up a “huge ancient complex” that holds many secrets yet to be discovered. The proposal is to put the road into a tunnel where it passes the stones, but the tunnel would be at most only 2.9 km long. This would result in at least 1.6 km of above-ground 21st-century road engineering within the WHS, consisting of new dual carriageway descending in massive trenches to the tunnel portals and possibly a new underpass with slip roads on the western WHS boundary. Archaeology in the construction zones would be destroyed and the A303 would become the largest ever human intervention in an area fashioned and revered by over a hundred generations of our ancestors. The whole Stonehenge landscape has an outstanding universal value that is of immense significance for all people for all time, and this transcends any consideration of sorting out a 21st century part-time traffic jam. ------- International visitors who want to support the campaign, please visit the campaign website here: http://stonehengealliance.org.uk/our-campaign/petition/ where you will find the running total. ------- The photograph of Stonehenge in its landscape setting is courtesy of Jon Westra
    147,673 of 200,000 Signatures
    Created by Mike Birkin