How do you deliver over a million signatures to Downing Street?

On 3 December The Independent, along with a group of cross-party MPs and The People’s Vote campaign, presented well over a million Final Say signatures to Downing Street – all calling for Theresa May to give voters a voice on the final Brexit deal. It was a chance to show off all the hard work that has gone into the campaign and a reminder of just how many people are hoping for a sensible outcome to Brexit.

But how do you actually deliver a petition to the prime minister?

Well, I’m pleased to report that it’s a surprisingly simple process – if you’ve got a brain for organisation that is. Think of it like getting your family on to a transatlantic flight; make sure you have your documentation and everyone is at the right gate, and you’re golden.

You can book a slot with Downing Street seven days a week, with the exception of Tuesday and Wednesday mornings and Friday afternoons. Just get in touch with the liaison office and ask for a petition handover form – they can answer any logistical questions you might have.

A total of six petition representatives may approach No 10 on the day, but if you have some support from MPs or a journalist or two they can come along. We were joined by MPs from the major political parties who have parliamentary access, you just have to let the police know who will be attending and they can perform the security checks.

There’s a limit to what you can bring along – cameras and bags are OK, but if you’re hoping to print off thousands of signatures you’re out of luck. Downing Street will only accept a single A4 paper box through the door. You can hand in the rest of your signatures to 9 Howick Place round the corner. Campaign T-shirts and a branded box are typically accepted, but don’t think you’ll be able to get through with a big flag or banner.

No security check, no entry – those are the rules. When you arrive at Downing Street introduce yourself to the lovely police officers on the gate and explain why you’re there. They’ll check you off and usher you through the gates. Once inside you can take all the pictures you want and, if you’re very lucky, say hello to Larry and Palmerston the resident cats.

Then it’s time for the delivery. When you approach the door the police officers on duty will accept your box and pose for a quick picture with you. Downing Street will respond in a few days.

You can, I’m told, deliver a petition as many times as you wish; but it’s safe to say that nothing really beats that first milestone. When the Final Say petition surpassed one million signatures we knew it was time to take the next step, but as the tally grows daily, and as Brexit day (29 March) rapidly approaches, we might well end up returning.

If you haven’t signed the petition yet you can do so here and hopefully we’ll be able to drop in on Ms May a second time before Brexit with your signature.

Yours,

Josh Withey

Social media editor