← Back to Westminster Hall Debates
Public Right to a Vote of No Confidence
02 March 2026
Lead MP
John Lamont
Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
Con
Responding Minister
Anna Turley
Tags
Migrants & BordersEmploymentEnergy
Word Count: 4898
Other Contributors: 3
At a Glance
John Lamont raised concerns about public right to a vote of no confidence in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Lamont urges Labour MPs to listen to their constituents and consider a vote of no confidence, as the Prime Minister and the Government have run out of road and are deeply unpopular.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
John Lamont is concerned about the public's unhappiness with the Labour Government, citing over 120,000 signatures on the petition. He mentions the government's breaking of manifesto pledges, introduction of policies not in their manifesto, and numerous U-turns. He highlights specific issues such as tax hikes, cuts to winter fuel payments, the family farm tax, and scandal involving government figures.
John Cooper
Con
Dumfries and Galloway
John Cooper agrees with the importance of the issue and highlights the difficulties people face due to the Government's broken manifesto pledges, policy changes not in the manifesto, and constant U-turns. I am looking forward to the end of this chaos and am concerned when politicians blame the media, as the media are simply reporting on it.
Mike Wood
Con
Kingswinford and South Staffordshire
Mike Wood thanked the 120,000 people who signed the petition and acknowledged the many organisations that have engaged constructively on this issue. He stated that the Government's decisions have damaged the economy, increased unemployment, and undermined public confidence, as the public feels they have seen the opposite of what the Government promised. He highlighted the numerous U-turns and scandals, such as the resignation of the inquiries Minister over the weekend. Wood argued that the public's frustration is clear and understandable, but any new mechanism must work in all circumstances and consider practical and constitutional questions. Can the Minister confirm that the Government will not be spending 2.5% on defence this year?
Sarah Gibson
Lib Dem
Chippenham
Sarah Gibson expressed frustration among constituents over the cost of living and NHS access, criticising the Government for not delivering on promises and failing to support rural businesses. She highlighted the lack of trust in the Government and mentioned 120,000 petition signatories.
Government Response
Anna Turley
Government Response
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mrs Barker. The Minister thanked the hon. Member for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk for introducing the debate and highlighted the importance of engaging in debates on critical issues. The Minister noted that the Government of the day holds office by commanding the confidence of the House of Commons, determined by the general election. Since 2015, there have been multiple general elections due to the chaos and instability caused by previous governments. The Minister acknowledged the role of the fourth estate but warned against seeking constant upheaval in politics. Holding the Government to account does not cease between general elections, as Parliament remains sovereign. The Minister argued that altering constitutional arrangements could create a constant revolving door and paralysis in Government, undermining public trust. The public's voice can be channelled through local MPs, and the Labour Government has delivered several manifesto pledges, including the Employment Rights Act 2025, an increase in the national minimum wage to £12.71, and the creation of the Border Security Command. The Minister stressed that introducing a public vote of no confidence would undermine the stability and effectiveness of the Government in delivering manifesto commitments and confuse the lines of accountability provided by general elections. The Government cannot support the petition as it already exists within the democratic system to remove and replace the Government of the day after a general election.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.