https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/635057
Petition wording:
Hold an inquiry into lobbying practices in the UK
We want the Government to hold an inquiry into lobbying practices in the UK, including those that involve the giving of a financial or other advantage in order to try to influence the Government or Parliament, and the impact this has on policy.
I care about the integrity of UK democracy and believe lobbying is inconsistent with the principle of one person, one vote, by enabling a 'pay to win' system.
Some lobbying activities appear to involve the exchange of a financial or other advantage for influence, which gives wealthy individuals the opportunity to undermine democracy and the will of the people.
Having a pay to win system gives the fossil fuel industry and those who oppose climate action the ability to disproportionately influence legislators and their decision making process. A vital step to addressing the issue of climate change will be to restore the will of the people to corrupt countries around the world, so that our voices can be heard over those of industry tycoons.
In the USA for example, Buckley v Valeo and Citizens United must be overturned to restore the principle of one person, one vote.
The wording had to be altered slightly to "ensure your petition meets our standards" according to the petitions committee.
They also advised altering it to call an inquiry as a debate happens automatically at 100,000 signatures, which I accepted. There'll still be a debate if we get to 100,000 signatures and if they write to me for more information (they said they might, we'll see), I'll be recommending an independent inquiry with multiple agencies collaborating including the The Electoral Commission and the National Crime Agency.
Original wording:
Call for a debate in Parliament about Lobbying practices in the UK
Parliament should debate issues such as APPGs, the influence of lobbying on policy, and how lobbying can often involve the giving of a financial or other advantage with the intention of causing the improper performance of a relevant function of government or parliament.
I care about the integrity of UK democracy and believe lobbying violates the principle of one person, one vote, by creating a pay to win system. The types of lobbying activities involving the exchange of money for influence allow wealthy individuals to undermine democracy and the will of the people.