Read this page before putting together your petition. It provides essential information to ensure that your petition is valid.

Although John will respond to any petition from his constituents, even where it does not meet the criteria below, there are certain rules that should be followed. These will ensure the best results for your petition and allow John to respond:

• Contact John first.
  If you call John Mann's London Office, they will be happy to talk through your petition with you. You can find up-to-date contact information here.
• The petition statement needs to appear on the top of every page of signatures.
  This means that John, Parliament and the Government can be sure every signatory knew exactly what they were signing up for. It also prevents lists of signatures being used multiple times illicitly.
• Name, signature, address and email address.
  The first three of these are essential and must be on every petition so that it is clear names have not been made up. We may check the names and addresses on the electoral register. An email address is often important too, as it allows John to thank signatories for their contribution and inform them of any changes as a result of the petition. Sometimes this can be done by post, however providing email addresses will help save (taxpayers'!) money.
• Leave enough space.
  If the contact details are illegible, then there is no way for John to respond. A petition template is available below that allows very clear responses.
• Who is the petition from?
  Enclose a covering letter saying who you or your organisation are. Ensure there is a contact address and phone number.

Below is a Microsoft Word template for a petition:

Petition Template
(Microsoft Word .dot)
[80kb]

Here are a few more frequently asked questions:

• Can I present my petition to Downing Street?
  By prior arrangement with the Downing Street Liaison Office, and subject to a security check, petitions can be presented to 10 Downing Street. Demand is high, and time somewhat limited, so normally this is best if the petition has at least a thousand signatures. Up to six people may present the petition, and their names must be submitted in advance for a security check. The petition must be on something the Government has responsibility for.
• Can my petition be presented in Parliament?
  A petition can be presented to Parliament by an MP so long as every page has the petition statement on and each signatory has entered their name, signature and address. The petition will then appear in Hansard - the official record of Parliamentary proceedings. The petition must be on something the Government has responsibility for.
• My petition does not meet the standards outlined above. Can anything be done with it?
  Yes. It may not be accepted formally, but if you are one of John Mann's constituents he will be happy to get a response from Government from you.
• What happens to petitions that have been presented to Downing Street or Parliament?
  The petition is sent to the relevant Government department who will respond, normally in the form of a letter from a Minister. This may include a statement of any changes that have been affected by your petition.

 You can read more about Petitions on the Parliament website.