Civic and Democratic Participation

There are many online petition platforms.  

To start an official government petition, go to https://petition.parliament.uk . If a petition reaches 10,000 signatures, the government will respond. If it receives 100,000 signatures it may be debated in Parliament.

You can also submit petitions to the Mayor of London or London Assembly. 

If there is an issue that matters to you, you can contact your elected representatives by writing a letter, sending an email, or attending a surgery (in person meeting).  

Here’s how to find them:  

• Member of Parliament
• Local councillors
• London Assembly members

You can also suggest questions for the Assembly to ask the Mayor of London at Mayor’s Question Time. 

There are many opportunities to volunteer and give back to your community.

Did you know you can volunteer as a magistrate and help make the decisions that shape your community? 

Find a cause that matters to you and volunteer your time to a local organisation.

The government can hold public consultations on a range of issues. They may come in the form of online surveys, focus groups, public meetings, and more.  

You can see all current UK Government public consultations. 

London has its own online community so that City Hall can hear from Londoners about big issues that matter to them. Sign up to Talk London.

There are also opportunities to have your say in London Assembly committee investigations.  

The right to peaceful protest is a human right and enshrined in UK law.  

Find out more about rights and restrictions around public protest:  

• Crime and Policing Bill: public order offences factsheet  - GOV.UK  
• Police powers: Protests - House of Commons Library
• Protests and marches: letting the police know - GOV.UK
• Protest rights | Advicenow 

You can get involved in community led action and local campaigns on issues that matter to you.

Opportunities are often shared in community spaces and local online forums.

See volunteering section for related information.

As well as consultations, some local councils have citizens assemblies, juries and panels. You can find information on opportunities on borough websites - Find your local council. 
 
A substantial set of resources has been developed by organisations such as DEMOS and Involve, offering comprehensive guidance on various deliberative and participatory democratic practices. 

If you’re interested in becoming a representative for your area at a local, regional or national level of government you can find out more and check your eligibility at Candidates and Agents | Electoral Commission.