In UK politics MPs receive instructions on how they should vote in upcoming parliamentary votes; this is referred to as 'the whip'. The main political parties appoint MPs to ensure that their colleagues follow the instructions given and demonstrate loyalty to their party.

This system is broken as, rather than MPs being able to truly vote on articles/legislation for the benefit of the constituents who appointed them, they vote only as instructed for fear of the consequences of not doing so. Therefore, rather than having a system that allows constituents to vote for and appoint effective MPs, it's a system that only ensures that the current government maintains its power over the House of Commons. Essentially the whip is a hindrance to, and opposition to, democracy.

This petition proposes that the whipping system should be abolished in parliament and in place all MPs should be allowed a 'free vote' on all matters. It allows for MPs to vote in a way that better serves their constituents, and for them to genuinely vote with their conscience on other matters such as the recent cut to Universal Credits, or the proposal to revisit anti-sleaze rules in order to protect a corrupt MP.

The reality is that if this petition gets the support it needs from the public, it would unlikely get the sponsorship it needs from the government. Why? Because this proposal would not strengthen a goverments position in parliament, and government is about power not what best serves the people. That said it's important that our voices are heard and I believe that this one small change would benefit UK politics.

Please support this petition and please share.