MPs demand urgent talks on e-petitions system

MPs are demanding "urgent" talks to establish a Parliamentary e-petitions system that would give ordinary voters a voice on the issues that are debated in the Commons.

The demand, contained in a report from a select committee on reform, follows the refusal of the government to fund earlier proposals for an internet-based system and the failure of Commons leader and Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman to allocate time for their consideration.

The committee was set up in the wake of the expenses scandal to look at creating legislature that would "re-connect" Parliament with ordinary people.

The Government's reluctance to pass legislation on the e-petitions system follows the 1.8 million signatures the 10 Downing street website received in opposition to the road-charging scheme. The large response effectively killed off the scheme.

Ministers are fearful other initiatives might meet a similar fate if ordinary people are given a say on what is done in Parliament.