The author of a viral petition demanding a fresh general election has reaffirmed his calls for “change” in Government, ahead of today’s parliamentary debate.
Michael Westwood told GB News he anticipates the full three-hour debate, starting at 4.30pm, will see substantial participation from MPs.
“I spoke to MP Jamie Stone, who’s going to be hosting it, he said there will be a lot of interest in this, and I’ve had a lot of media coverage over the last 24 hours as well. So yeah, I’m expecting a decent turnout,” Westwood said.
The pub owner, who launched the petition that garnered over three million signatures, confirmed he will attend the Westminster Hall debate in person.
Westwood hit out at Starmer’s ‘disastrous’ Labour Government following their election victory
GB News / PA
“The reaction to the petition is not something I expected at all,” he added, describing the response as “probably gone as best as possibly can”.
The petition, launched on Parliament’s website on November 20, accuses Labour of having “gone back on the promises” made before July’s election.
Detailing why he decided to start the petition, Westwood explained his concerns about Labour’s economic policies, particularly focusing on the Budget’s impact on small businesses.
“Since the moment he got into power, it was all doom and gloom,” he told GB News, criticising the Government’s messaging on spending.
The petition has brought in over three million signatures – a number which is still risingPA/UK PARLIAMENT
“Over 200,000 redundancies this year are expected off the back of it. Because small companies just can’t afford it,” he warned.
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As owner of the Ginger Beer Company, a wholesale beer distributor in the West Midlands, Westwood expressed worry about growing his business.
“The tax implications, looking to grow a small business like mine… the more NI, the fact that I’m reducing the business rate relief, it’s just always more and more hitting the smaller businesses,” he said.
Looking ahead to the debate, Westwood emphasised that although he wasn’t representing any political party, he has received support from Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who wished him “all the best for today”.
Westwood struck a defiant tone about the future of British politics, declaring “things are going to change”.
Westwood told GB News that he’s been expected to see a ‘decent turn out’ for the debate
GB News
The petition author made bold predictions about Labour’s future, claiming some local Labour governors are already leaving the party.
Westwood concluded: “I’m sitting here as a working-class man, saying I’m sick of the politicians in general, not just Labour, telling us a bunch of lies just to gain power.
“Some of the local Labour Governors are walking out on Labour, and some of the MPs will soon follow suit as well.”
He added: “Before you know it, I do believe there will be another general election called, and Sir Keir Starmer will not be leading the Labour Party anymore.”
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