As a UK taxpayer, I am deeply concerned and frustrated by the recent events involving Michelle Donelan, the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology. She has been ordered to pay £15,000 in libel damages to Kate Sang of Heriot-Watt University. However, it is us taxpayers who are expected to foot this bill - a bill that we did nothing to incur.

This situation is not just unfair; it sets a dangerous precedent where politicians can make defamatory statements without bearing personal responsibility for their actions. It's important to remember that libel cases should be civil matters between individuals involved and should not involve public funds.

In 2019-2020 alone, the UK government spent approximately £2 billion on legal services (source: National Audit Office). This amount could increase significantly if politicians continue using taxpayer money for their personal legal battles.

We demand that Michelle Donelan pays her own libel settlement instead of using public funds. This will ensure accountability among our leaders and protect taxpayers from unnecessary financial burdens. Please sign this petition if you believe in fairness and accountability in our political system.