Michael Caine has divided the internet by sharing a petition calling for a fresh General Election to be held.
Although the UK’s last election took place nearly five months ago, the petition – which was started by Michael Westwood – has reached 2.6million signatures thanks to the discontent over the new Labour government, particularly after last month’s budget.
“I believe the current Labour Government have gone back on the promises they laid out in the lead up to the last election,” it read.
The reaction across social media, as with the petition in general, has been mixed. Some commenters called him a “legend” and a “super star” for sharing, but others were more critical.
“Guess what – we had one 4 months ago,” one user on X/Twitter wrote. “The result was clear cut. Suck it up buttercup because another one ain’t gonna happen.”
“Another rich person upset he will have to pay his fair share of tax because the tory boys aren’t in power anymore. Shame,” said another.
A third added: “No fool like an old fool… another Brexiteer trying to undermine democracy.”
Call a General Election – Petitions https://t.co/ZhVgi7uGLG
— Michael Caine (@themichaelcaine) November 25, 2024
Guess what – we had one 4 months ago
The result was clear cut
Suck it up buttercup because another one ain’t gonna happen
— dave lawrence (@dave43law) November 25, 2024
No fool like an old fool…another Brexiteer trying to undermine democracy
— Graeme (@dungra) November 25, 2024
How do you get to that age and still be lacking in so much insight….. baffling & pitiful.
— Badassmutha #FBPE (@dodgson_sally) November 25, 2024
People are sick of Labour’s lies, gaslighting and broken promises.
— Kevin Edger (@KEdge23) November 25, 2024
Piss off Michael with the greatest respect, you championed brexit and legged it from the mess left behind. Worry about your adopted country
— Clifford (@holte) November 25, 2024
In response to the petition, Starmer ruled out holding another general election but said he is “not surprised” some people who did not support Labour might want a second poll.
“Look, I remind myself that very many people didn’t vote Labour at the last election,” he said on This Morning. “That isn’t how our system works.
“So, what my focus is on is the decisions that I have to make every day.”
Earlier this month, Caine said he would like to bring back National Service. He participated in it himself in his youth, as it was active in the UK until 1963.
Writing in his new book Don’t Look Back, You’ll Trip Over: My Guide to Life, Caine explained (via The Times): “It’s pretty hard to exaggerate the impact national service had on me. Look, I’m 91 and, 70 years on, I can still remember it.
“I was 18 and sent to Germany as part of the occupation force in Berlin first and then it was on to Korea. It turned me from boy into a man.
Caine goes on to write that he “would bring back national service”, elaborating: “I don’t mean young people should go to war – nothing like that.
“I’d make it six months rather than two years, like it used to be. But being 18-years-old and serving your country, it teaches you a lot. You grow up.”
Last year, Caine confirmed that he had retired from acting following the release of his 2023 film The Great Escaper.
“I keep saying I’m going to retire. Well I am now. I’ve figured, I’ve had a picture where I’ve played the lead and had incredible reviews… What am I going to do that will beat this?” he told Radio 4’s Today programme.
Reflecting on playing a World War 2 veteran in the movie, Caine added: “The only parts I’m liable to get now are 90-year-old men. Or maybe 85. They’re not going to be the lead.
“You don’t have leading men at 90, you’re going to have young handsome boys and girls. So I thought, I might as well leave with all this.”
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