Clarkson for PM, attacks on police dogs: Do Parliament petitions make a difference?

The article discusses the impact of online petitions on parliamentary debates in the UK. It highlights two contrasting examples - a petition calling for Jeremy Clarkson to become Prime Minister, and another condemning attacks on police dogs. The Clarkson petition, started as a joke, gained over 100,000 signatures, triggering a parliamentary debate. However, the petition was widely dismissed as a frivolous stunt. In contrast, the petition against attacks on police dogs received over 100,000 signatures and resulted in the government considering tougher sentences for offenders. The article suggests that while some petitions are created for amusement, others can lead to meaningful policy changes. The success of a petition often depends on the issue's gravity and public support. While Parliament is required to consider all petitions with over 100,000 signatures, the government is not obligated to act on them. The article highlights the mixed impact of online petitions, which can sometimes raise awareness but not necessarily lead to tangible policy outcomes.