LONDON — A record-breaking petition calling for a second referendum on the UK's membership in the European Union will be debated in the House of Commons on Sept. 5.

The petition, signed by more than 4 million people, was the most-signed government petition since the process started in 2011.

It was launched by a Brexit supporter before the referendum and called for the government to launch another vote should Remain or Leave gather less than 60% at the polls.

The UK voted to leave the EU by 52% to 48%.

In a statement, the Committee said the "huge number of people signing" the petition meant that it should be debated by MPs.

"The Petitions Committee would like to make clear that, in scheduling this debate, they are not supporting the call for a second referendum," it said.

In an official reply, the government had rejected the petition.

"The Prime Minister and Government have been clear that this was a once in a generation vote and, as the Prime Minister has said, the decision must be respected," the Foreign Office said.

"We must now prepare for the process to exit the EU."

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