This petition asks that Virgin Media stop sending mail to 'The Householder' or 'The Occupier'.

The Mailing Preference Service (MPS) exists in the UK to enable people to reduce the amount of direct mail that they get. Many people refer to this marketing material as junkmail. It works because people can add their name and address details to the MPS database so that they no longer get unsolicited mail. As a result of adding their name to this list, companies should respect the wishes of the householders by not sending them marketing material in the post.

There is, however, a loophole. Most companies, however, do not exploit this loophole because they understand the intent of the householder's wishes in registering with the MPS.

Virgin Media are one of the largest providers of Telephone, Broadband and TV services in the UK. They are one of the few companies that exploit this loophole by sending mail to The Householder. Every day, Virgin Media get householders contacting them unhappy that they have received this mail. Virgin Media do offer an opt out service, but given that householders have not opted in, many do not see why they should opt out. Many return the mail through the Royal Mail marked 'Return to Sender'. Virgin Media do not act upon this either, clearly not understanding the intention of the householder in this case.

It is also the case that many complainants are given the wrong information by Virgin Media, who advise them that they need to opt out through Royal Mail's opt out service. Royal Mail have categorically stated that they are legally obliged to deliver this mail.

It is difficult to see how Virgin Media's interest could be served by exploiting a loophole that is leaving large numbers of their target audience frustrated and annoyed. This petition asks Virgin Media, through its CEO Tom Mockridge, to demonstrate the highest level of integrity by no longer using this channel for mass marketing.