PETITIONRejectedPetition · petition.parliament.uk
Ban use of filibustering against Private Members' Bills relating to Human Rights
Government need to evolve parliamentary procedure to stop filibustering tactics to block compassionate legislation. • Human rights bills—such as dignity in dying—face failure. A freedom of belief shouldn't be used as a tool to block the choices & rights of others or stall official proceedings.
Last fetched 03 May 2026 · petition.parliament.uk
Signatures
6
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 6/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 6/100,000
Background
• Existing Rules allow for "filibustering"—where MPs talk for extended periods to prevent a vote. While the Speaker can stop it (Standing Order 42), this is rarely used.
• Previous Efforts: A 2019 petition to "Stop Filibustering in Parliament" noted that bills regarding sexual harassment (upskirting) were delayed by these tactics.
• The UK government has stated that while religious freedom is fundamental, it does not override the state’s obligation to protect the rights and freedoms of others.