The debate today has been very constructive. I hope the petitioner realises that the fact that we have gone through it to reach agreement in about an hour and a half, rather than taking the full three hours, is no reflection on the importance we attach to the petition and the issue. I am sure that a lot of people were detained by listening not only to the Minister for Transport Legislation and Maritime on Second Reading of the Automated and Electric Vehicles Bill, but to the important statement made by the Prime Minister earlier.

We have had some great contributions. Jim Fitzpatrick talked about the ground rent issue, and there has been some agreement on how we might make the system work. My hon. Friend James Cartlidge has a knowledgeable background, and that illustrates the need for a market-based solution to take into account all the things he said.

Luke Pollard mentioned a newspaper article and I did a quick search for it. Jamie Jack Pogson was talking about how surprised he was that the petition was so successful, and he was quoted as saying:

“It was only a little rant I was having first thing in the morning on the way to work.”

Frankly, I could have written that about my career path to this place. I hope that shows anyone who is thinking about starting a petition how they can change things—they can have a little rant, get out and do something about it.

That is the strength of the petition system. These debates are some of the most watched in Parliament. We look at Prime Minister’s questions and all sorts of other things, but petition issues such as the one we are discussing are the ones that people want us to raise. I therefore thank all my colleagues very much for a constructive debate, and I thank the Minister for the positive way in which he has responded. I know that he will take the issue away and consider a proper, long-term solution.

Question put and agreed to.

Resolved,

That this House
has considered e-petition 186565 relating to eligibility for mortgages.

Sitting adjourned.