A petition is a direct way for people to raise a 'national issue' with their Parliament. It is a request for action which sets out what an individual, community group, etc want the Parliament to do and why. Creating a petition is simple and the process is designed to be open and accessible to all.
- your petition only needs one signature
- there is no age restriction
- petitions can be submitted in any language and format (e.g. British Sign Language, Braille). If required, the clerking team will arrange for a translation or interpretation
Steps to creating a petition
- Decide what you want to petition about: Is the issue you want to raise within the responsibility of the Scottish Parliament? Is it a national issue or might it be more local? Have you attempted to resolve the issue perhaps with your MSP or council? Contact us if you are unsure
- Create your petition: The most convenient way to submit your petition is via the online form which will allow you to enter your petition text, save, edit, amend, etc. and then send it to the clerking team
- Put your petition online: You can collect signatures online which opens your petition to a worldwide audience. There is a discussion forum which allows people to discuss the issue you raise
- Promote your petition: You can link your petition to your own website, social networking site, video etc. You can even create your own petition web address
- Have it discussed: The Public Petitions Committee has 7 Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) and its role is to consider and discuss each petition lodged and decide what action to take. At every step you are kept informed by the clerking team of what is happening so that you get the opportunity to contribute
- Make a difference: Petitions do make a difference and some have led to changes in the law or of policy