"Axe rioters' benefits" e-petition overwhelmed by response

Site crashed after the petition received 100,000 signatures

The e-petition web site containing the proposition that rioters should be stripped of any benefits they claim has crashed after the demand gained the 100,000 signatures required to secure debating time in Parliament.

Earlier David Cameron said in the Commons that if the proposal passed the threshold, MPs would have to discuss it.

He told MPs that the law contains provisions the courts can use to require recompense from lawbreakers.

The web site contained a notice warning that the site "is having problems at the moment", believed to be caused by the number of people trying to access it to support the proposition "Convicted London rioters should loose [sic] all benefits".

It stated the petition had passed the 100,000 threshold and has been passed to the Commons Backbench Business Committee to consider for debate, adding: "It will continue to be available for signature once the site is re-opened."

It said the aim is to re-open the site today [Friday] with the proposition open to further support.

The motion states: "Any persons convicted of criminal acts during the current London riots should have all financial benefits removed. No tax payer should have to contribute to those who have destroyed property, stolen from their community and shown a disregard for the country that provides for them."