- Coinbase backs a UK petition calling for stablecoin rules and wider blockchain adoption.
- The petition has surpassed 5,000 signatures; 10,000 triggers a government response and 100,000 prompts a parliamentary debate.
- Supporters warn the UK risks falling behind without a clear crypto strategy.
A public petition urging the United Kingdom to adopt a pro-innovation approach to blockchain and stablecoins has gained momentum after cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase encouraged its users to support the initiative.
The petition, active on the UK government’s website since July, calls for a comprehensive framework covering stablecoin regulation, broader blockchain adoption across government functions, and the appointment of a senior official to oversee crypto policy.
Although it initially attracted modest attention, interest accelerated this week after Coinbase sent in-app messages prompting users to sign.
Social media screenshots showed exchange notifications asking customers to “help the UK lead stablecoin innovation right now.”
At the time of writing, the petition has exceeded 5,000 signatures.
When a petition reaches 10,000 signatures, the government is required to issue a formal response.
If it reaches 100,000 signatures, the proposal will be considered for debate in Parliament.
The petition remains open until 3 March 2026.
Calls for Clear Regulation and Innovation
The proposal outlines three specific demands: establish a regulatory framework for stablecoins and tokenisation, support blockchain adoption across government functions, and appoint a senior official to oversee national crypto policy.
Backers argue stablecoins are foundational to a tokenised economy and that regulatory clarity is essential for the UK to remain competitive.
The petition notes that the United States has emphasised stablecoins over a central bank digital currency (CBDC), suggesting the UK risks falling behind without an explicit strategy.
“This is a matter of national interest to preserve the competitiveness of the City and the global standing of the pound,” the petition states.
Supporters warn that without timely action, the UK could lose ground to other jurisdictions pursuing more assertive digital asset policies.
Coinbase’s Role in Shaping UK Crypto Policy
Coinbase has been vocal in its campaign for clearer regulation of digital assets in the UK.
In recent months the exchange has stepped up efforts to influence public debate and policy formation.
On 31 July, Coinbase released a satirical video titled “Everything is fine.”
The video juxtaposed upbeat messages celebrating the UK financial system with visuals of inflation, poverty, and economic strain, offering a pointed critique of the current situation.
Just days later, on 5 August, former UK chancellor and current Coinbase adviser George Osborne published an opinion piece in the Financial Times.
In the article, Osborne warned that the UK is falling behind in the global race for digital assets and singled out stablecoins as an area where the country has ceded ground.
Coinbase’s support for the petition reflects a broader strategy to push for regulatory clarity and foster a more favourable operating environment for digital assets in the UK.
With the petition now more than halfway to the government response threshold, the initiative highlights mounting pressure on policymakers to provide guidance on stablecoins and blockchain innovation.