for some reason it failed to upload before

Are you going directly to Google to do the search or using the search bar?

If it's the search bar, or another built-in search box (e.g., built-in Firefox home page or new tab page), or the address bar:

I don't know the default settings for your Firefox, but do you have multiple Google search plugins, one of which could be sending this additional parameter? You can inspect your list of active search plugins using:

"3-bar" menu (or Tools menu) > Options > Search

But... if you have multiple Googles that all look the same, the parameters aren't visible there, unfortunately, you would need to dig into some folders on disk and look at the XML code. I can describe that if needed.

it does seem to happen consitantly from the search bar. I have just noticed that it will occure if i search from the address bar as well. I'm not sure if it is the only time it occurs. I've looked and I don't have any google plugins, from looking at firefox plugins. If that's what you are refering too. I don't understand what you mean by: "3-bar" menu (or Tools menu) > Options > Search

Sorry, there are search plugins and browser plugins. In this case, I'm referring to search plugins. Those are listed in the Options/Preferences page.

The "3-bar" menu button is the application button on the right end of the main toolbar. Some people call it the hamburger button. Or you can use the Tools menu. If you don't normally display the classic File/Edit/View menu bar, you can tap the Alt key or press F10 to show it on demand.

Then you can get Options and click Search in the left column. Finally then you can see whether you have multiple Google search plugins.

Ah, I didn't realise what it was called. I do have the menie bar enables. I had a google UK plugin, i have removed it. I will see if that solves my problem.

Other search plugins may be available that do what you want. For example, if you want to search on google.co.uk but see everything, the "Google UK (SSL)" one on this page might fit the bill:

http://mycroftproject.com/google-search-plugins.html

thanks for the help