15 November 2006

The prime minister's office is now giving British citizens the opportunity to petition online.

Individuals, campaign groups and charities are being offered the opportunity to have their say on the Internet direct to 10 Downing Street.

The new e-petitions can be created, hosted and signed on the web - then delivered to the prime minister's office.

"Simple, tangible benefits in the civic and community aspects of their lives" can now be delivered to Internet users, the government claims.

Although the new online petitions are essentially the same as more traditional methods, 10 Downing Street notes that the petitioners can now gain more signatures by appealing to individuals online.

Additionally, they could benefit groups and people which do not have the necessary resources to run their own website.

However, the traditional method of petition will not be withdrawn, giving more choice to those wishing to have their say.

Recent e-petitions lodged on the site include calls to scrap the Trident nuclear weapons replacement programme and create a tax on non-energy efficient lightbulbs to help tackle climate change.

© Adfero Ltd

Keep up to date with industry and Nomensa news by signing up to Nomensa newsletters.