U.K., Nov. 3 -- UK Parliament issued the following news:
On Monday 23 November, MPs will debate a petition relating to the Bereavement Support Payment.
Watch the debate (from 6pm, Monday 23 November)
Read the debate transcript (available shortly after the conclusion of the debate).
Irene Campbell MP, a member of the Petitions Committee, has been asked by the Committee to open the debate. MPs from all parties can take part, and the Government will send a minister to respond.
"Raise Bereavement Support Payment and extend beyond 18 months"
The petition , which received more than 108,000 signatures, states: "Reform Bereavement Support Payment so families with and without dependent children receive help beyond 18 months, with annual uprating to reflect cost of living."
In its response to the petition, provided on 4 February 2026, the Government said: "Bereavement Support Payment provides valuable short-term help after a death. While we are not able to increase BSP at this time, longer-term support is available from other social security benefits."
Read the full response
What are petitions debates?
Petitions debates are 'general' debates which allow MPs from all parties to discuss the important issues raised by one or more petitions, and put their concerns to Government Ministers.
Petition debates don't end with a vote to implement the request of a petition. This means MPs will not vote on the request of the petitions at the end of the debate. Instead, the aim is to give MPs an opportunity to discuss the issues raised by a petition, and get a response from the Government.
Petition debates are scheduled by the Petitions Committee. Only e-petitions started on the Parliament petitions site are considered by the Petitions Committee.
Further information
Find out more about petition debates
Find out more about the role of the Petitions Committee
Find out more about select committees
Image: Parliamentary copyright
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
