A petition demanding the release of Lucy Connolly has received 20,000 signatures in just five hours.
Ex-Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe, who created the petition earlier today, celebrated reaching the all-important 10,000 milestone in under three hours.
He said: “People should not be in prison for stupid social media posts – this petition is pushing for Government to urgently review the penalties.
“Lucy Connolly, and others, should not be in prison. This petition has the support of her family.”
After surpassing the 10,000 threshold, the petition will now eventually secure a response from the Government.
MPs could have the opportunity to debate the petition in Westminster Hall if it reaches 100,000 signatures.
Petitions are given six months to reach 100,000 signatures, leaving Lowe with time until December 20 to force a debate.
In the petition’s description, Lowe wrote: “We call on the Government to urgently review the possible penalties for non-violent offences arising from social media posts, including the use of prison.
“There is serious public concern about the proportionality of sentencing in cases involving opinion-based online speech.
“We believe imprisoning individuals for posts on social media sets a dangerous precedent and raises wider questions about freedom of expression, proportionality in sentencing, and the misuse of limited prison resources.
“We consider that alternative sanctions, such as fines or community service, would be more appropriate.”
Lowe recently received the backing of eight other MPs after setting out an Early Day Motion on Connolly’s imprisonment – including Labour MP Mary Glindon and Tory MP Sir Gavin Williamson.
