Pendle’s MP, Andrew Stephenson has spoken in Parliament to ask whether an online petition by a Barrowford couple with over 120,000 signatures calling for a Stalker’s Charter could be debated.
The petition by John and Penny Clough, whose daughter Jane was murdered by her abusive ex-partner, is hosted on the change.org website.
It calls for a Stalkers Register modelled on the register that already exists for sex offenders. The campaign is being supported by the stalking advocacy service Paladin, for who Mr Clough acts as an ambassador.
In Parliament, Andrew asked whether the petition could affect what MPs get to debate.
Petitions on the Government’s official e-petitions website that reach 100,000 signatures are automatically considered for debate by Parliament. However, there is no system for other petition websites.
Mr Stephenson said: “The petition has received a huge amount of support.
“The internet is becoming more and more popular as a way of expressing opinions with a number of petition sites.
“Parliament needs to be able to listen to what people are saying online. I have written to the Home Secretary about the petition and the Stalkers Register.
“Over 120,000 people are backing it because it is a good idea that could help protect victims and even save lives. It deserves serious consideration.”
