The advantages and disadvantages of different electrical energy sources. Should further powers be given to devolved governments? In the 2015 General Election UKIP won 12.6% of the votes, taking many votes away from the Conservatives. 10 reasons against Scottish independence. This is because electors lack the expertise to vote on complicated issues like Brexit. Advantages and disadvantages of referendums ----- One of the arguments put forward against referendums is that they tend to simplify complicated problems and reduce them to yes or no answers. Referenda provide a clear answer to a question the government might be 'asking'. Ok, let me say Im extremely satisfy with the result while it was a last minute thing. Get Revising is one of the trading names of The Student Room Group Ltd. Register Number: 04666380 (England and Wales), VAT No. Constitutional Scholar Vernon Bogdanor argues that referendums can effectively create a third chamber in the legislative process. They are an example of direct democracy and contrast with the representative democracy that usually dominates politics in liberal democracies. Referendums allow for an individual issue to be addressed not as a broader part of party policies, but on the merits and drawbacks of it. There is one further type of referendum that also needs recognition and that is unofficial referendums. 806 8067 22, Registered office: International House, Queens Road, Brighton, BN1 3XE, Advantages and Disadvantages of Referendum, See all Government & Politics resources , Can someone please give me feedback on my A-Level Politics essay? Referendums can often be hijacked by other issues. One of the major advantages of a written constitution is the fact that it can be easily consulted. However, if permission is refused, Sturgeon has said the SNP will put forward a one-line manifesto in the next general election simply saying the SNP are standing for independence. The referendum was a rare example of direct, or participatory, democracy in the UK. Referenda can unite a divided party. They are also good for dealing with areas wher. Focus. United Kingdom, Languages, Cultures, Art History and Music, Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering, Institute for Gravitational Wave Astronomy, Explore all Engineering and Physical Sciences Research, Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, Explore all Life and Environmental Sciences Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, Explore all Medical and Dental Sciences Research, Histories of a Global University: Exploring Empire at the University of Birmingham, Dr Adam Quinn, Senior Lecturer in International Politics, Language, Cultures, Art History and Music, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, See all schools, departments, research and professional services. Weakens parliament - referendums undermine parliamentary sovereignty, and are decisions that are not made on the basis of deliberation and debate. 2. Brexit was . 2) What are the main a) advantages and b) disadvantages for the UK of an uncodified constitution? In the UK holding a referendum has to be legislated for by the Westminster Parliament. referendums. Disadvantages of FPTP Minority of the vote : In most constituencies more people (in total) vote against the winning candidate than for them. , How would you react if Brexit was CANCELLED! This can mean large portions of the electorate feel dismissed. In reality, this almost always means that the Westminster Government will have to agree to it too. There are three primary reasons why one might consider referendums a good idea. They would point to factors such as: It settled an issue that had been contentious for a generation. There are a number of potential strengths of holding referendums within the UK political system: It can be argued that referendums provide a check on the power of the government in the UK, something that is often referred to as the elective dictatorship. Ill-informed decisions - the general public are less informed than elected politicians, and have no political experience. Free Trade . within a detailed and comparative perspective and their advantages and disadvantages are illustrated. Explain the Benefits and Downsides of using Referendums in the UK? There are three reasons for this. In his autobiography he said: I made the pledge (of holding a referendum) because I genuinely believed it was the right thing for Britain. Included among those shocked was, apparently, the Nobel Peace Prize committee, which had prematurely rewarded president Santos with its 2016 prize. "No" voters in 2014 who feared that Scotland might find itself outside the EU - even temporarily - might view the economic risks and opportunities . Because referendums are often held on complex issues, it is easy for populism to take hold. It could prove Britain's constitutional moment. The contribute demonstrate in eleven main reasons why the turnout requirement should be abolished: the vote should be free and decisive, meaning that citizens who participate in a referendum . Birmingham B15 2TT Arguably, this makes the UK more democratic as the general public have a direct say on the decisions that the government makes and although they are not lawfully binding, they successfully require the federal government and parliament to adhere to the publics outcome. Further to this point, referendums are sometimes seen as a means available to elected representatives to avoid having to take an unpopular position on a controversial issue. (25 marks) Referendums are a R. eferendums trivialise highly complex issues by oversimplifying them into a ' yes ' / ' no ' vote. Brexit involves the process of negotiating new trade deals, citizen registration rules, borders, etc. Referendums spread power. Brexit is now a moral issue, and the next few weeks will test our moral resolve. (It should be noted that this fact should be treated some caution, and this is a worthwhile read on the issue PolitiFact | Whats missing from media claims linking Google Trends to Brexit vote). If concessions need to be made to those who committed crimes during a conflict, or if a course will impose severe economic costs, or if a divisive point principle is at issue, endorsement by direct popular vote will likely aid political stability, and also bind not just the present government, but those that follow it. On Thursday 23 June 2016 a referendum was held in order to come to a decision if the UK should remain a member of EU and more than 30 million people have voted. Referendums in the United Kingdom. The strategy failed. There are fundamentally three different types of referendum: An advisory referendum This is a referendum which allows citizens to express their opinion, but it is not binding on the government hence being called advisory. 5. The older term for a referendum is a PLEBISCITE . I failedbut it all flowed from an attempt to do the right thing. (2016, May 11). This therefore suggests that referendums allow the public to have more power, as there is only a general election every five years. Revise the impact of the Brexit referendum of 2016 in which the UK voted to leave the European Union, as part of Bitesize Higher Modern Studies They are an example of direct democracy and contrast with the representative democracy that usually dominates politics in liberal democracies. 3. The main policy of the SNP is a call for an independent Scotland. It highlighted some advantages and disadvantages of putting decisions directly in the hands of citizens. Independent schools provide a very positive learning environment for their pupils, with some of the best teacher-pupil ratios in the country, excellent learner support facilities and other resources . A referendum on 5 May 2011 will ask UK voters whether they would like to replace the country's first past the post system with the alternative vote, or AV, method. The European Union has spent much of their time bringing the country along, often reluctantly . They therefore become dominated by populism. (15 Dec 2016), Examples of 'vote per household' and multi-stage elections at the municipal level China: Village Committee Elections: First Steps on a Long March? However, realistically most are politically binding. In fact, the Government had already tried to use a Referendum in 1973 to settle the Irish issue but it was boycotted by Republicans as they did not feel the settlement it addressed their issues. It undermined representative democracy. In fact, until 1975 there had not been a single nationwide referendum on any political issue. However, when it became obvious that we simply wouldnt join a government at all without a commitment to a referendum on voting reform, their appetite for power outweighed (rightly, as it turned out) their fear of losing power . North-East Assembly 2004 rejected the idea of regional assemblies in the UK, with the North-East as the trial assembly. (08 Aug 2008), Representation of women in Ukraine This has happened a number of times, for example the Welsh Legislative Powers Referendum in 2011. Copyright Get Revising 2023 all rights reserved. Currently, Scotland is in political union with three other countries, (formerly a country, a principality, and a province). This is unsurprising, as they tend to be on significant issues. Background. This infers that they can help to entrench constitutional change in a system which has an uncodified, flexible constitution and enables the public to shape the path in which Britain is heading. An example of this the Scottish referendum 2014, which saw 55% of the Scottish people vote no to independence. One advantage of Describe the Advantages and Disadvantages of Referendums Read More This is the idea that minority interests are swamped by the power of the democratic majority. prevent government from making unpopular decisions. Today's most discussed topic all over the world is the fact that UK will possibly leave the EU. We are improving the health of people across the world through new discoveries, treatments and patient pathways and working in partnership to build a transformative health ecosystem in our region. Referendums are seen as positive as it is the most direct way for the public to participate in politics and know that their opinion and vote matter to the government. Today's most discussed topic all over the world is the fact that UK will possibly leave the EU. Advantages. (10 Apr 2012), Paramount chieftaincy as a system of local government There has been a significant reduction in the cost of fibre optic cable installation in recent years, but it still involves a much higher tariff than copper cable. In Britain, referendums had been associated with Nazi Germany, where Hitler had use plebiscites to confirm support for his policies such as making himself Fuhrer (1934) and Anschluss (1938). First is their intrinsic worth as an exercise in direct democracy. The Scottish referendum can be seen to have benefited David Cameron as Gordon Brown promised to give Scotland and its own parliament and powers if they voted no, increasing the pressure on Ed Miliband to come through with those promises. This gives the final verdict a greater mandate than that received as the result of a General Election. (20 Sep 2011), Manually counting ballots in Block Vote systems Dont waste Your Time Searching For a Sample, A simile Homer uses twice, the first time to describe Paris, the second time to describe Hektor, Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of involving service users and carers in the education and training of social work students, The advantages and disadvantages of probation and parole, The advantages and disadvantages of international investment and diversification, Advantages and Disadvantages of the First and Second Industrial Revolutions, Advantages and disadvantages of City Life and Village Life, Advantages and Disadvantages Between a Cellular Network and Land Line Network, Advantages and Disadvantages of Private Prisons and Jails, Advantages and Disadvantages of Synchronous and Asynchronous Learning in an Online Class, Content: Advantages and Disadvantages of IQ and EQ. The theoretical advantage of flexibility is one that is too easily exploited for self-serving reasons. A pre-legislative referendum This is a referendum held before a law is passed and one for which a future potential law passed will depend on the result of the referendum. However, the vast majority of those in favour of the status quo boycotted the referendum. These are referendums without a clear legal mandate and are often therefore very controversial. For fear of recall, they will hesitate to do any undesirable thing. Responsive government - referendums make governments more responsive between elections by forcing them to listen to public opinion, and allow public opinion to be expressed on a particular issue, which cannot be done during elections. For more information on this licence see: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0 . For example, in 2011, the AV Referendum largely became a referendum on performance of the Liberal Democrats in coalition, rather than a referendum on changes to the voting system itself. Some of these include: To gain legitimacy for an important political or constitutional decision When controversial political or constitutional decisions need to be made it is useful for representatives to get the direct consent of the electorate. The only real advantage in an uncodified constitution is that it avoids all the problems involved in achieving a codified one. Ill-informed decisions - the general public are less informed than elected politicians, and have no political . and then Add to Home Screen. There have been a number of referendums in the UK: For what reasons might referendums be held? Governments often choose to hold referendums for their own political purposes, rather than the public good. This trend may be exacerbated in the case of referendums on complex issues such as constitutional change or international treaties, with which voters are likely to be unfamiliar. There is a consistent danger that referendums, because of their binary nature, become dominated by wider political issues and not just the issue on the ballot paper. In the case of the EU Referendum, significant amounts of legislation, both primary and secondary, has had to been passed since 2016. Another is that voters do not always have the capacity or information to make informed decisions about the issue at stake, and instead may make ill-informed decisions based on partial knowledge or on the basis of unrelated factors such as the state of the economy. Constitutional issues. However, although referendums are important for democracy, referendums could be seen to be too complicated for the public to understand. . Component 1: UK Politics - referendums. The ministers indulge in corrupt practices because the people have no control over them. Those who see virtue in the idea of a more direct link between the popular will and the levers of power therefore admire them as an instrument of empowerment for the too-often neglected people. In the view of many, the referendum created more political issues than it solved. Is the Prime Minister Effectively a President? Advantages and Disadvantages of Brexit Introduction: This paper discusses about Pros and Cons of Brexit and Impact of Brexit on UK Economy. Appointing the official campaign groups for each side of the debate. Across the breadth of life and environmental sciences, we discover, apply and translate science to forge major advances in human and environmental health. This happened in the Labour Government under Harold Wilson. Copyright Get Revising 2023 all rights reserved. A good example of this is the Scottish Independence Referendum of 2014. people will not respect the decisions that they make themselves. Referendums have to reduce complex issues to simple questions. The Scottish referendum on independence had a very high turnout and high levels of popular engagement in the debates. Well occasionally send you promo and account related email. Reserved Power Powers that are kept by the Westminster Government and not devolved, for example Defence. A referendum provides the opportunity to vote on a single-issue. A referendum helps to make decisions legitimate and confirms the principle of government by consent. Indeed, thats how I put it to my fellow European leaders: this is my strategy for keeping Britain in Europe. As a result of the legitimacy that a direct vote bestows, they can have an enormous impact in settling controversial issues. In Britain there has been an independent electoral commission since 2001. Unlike General Elections, referendums allow political parties and voters to focus entirely on a single issue. There are also a number of arguments made against the use of referendums. You can get a custom paper by one of our expert writers. Do the advantages of referendums outweigh the disadvantages? It is worth noting that in terms of overall population that only 37% of the UK adult population actually voted for Brexit. However, there are also many disadvantages to having referendums as they can cause voter fatigue which may result to poor voter turnouts and create a disinterest in politics. Referendums do not have a long history in the UK. However, there was little discussion on what leaving would mean and how Britain might leave the EU. . Advantages and disadvantages of the referendum instrument. Referendums can settle long-standing and controversial issues once and for all. This creates an automatic bias. Referendums are seen as positive as it is the most direct way for the public to participate in politics and know that their opinion and vote matter to the government. Brexit is the abbreviation of "Britain Exit," which refers to the decision of the United Kingdom to leave the European Union. The referendum device is one of the institutions of direct democracy that claim to measure and express the will of the people better than the institutions of representative democracy. Their increasing use (or at least proposal) was also partly due to the participation of the Liberal Democrats in the coalition government, the Lib Dems being the party most committed not only to constitutional reform but also the use of referendums in general. Retrieved from http://studymoose.com/describe-the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-referendums-essay. However, since 2011 there have been three nationwide referendums. It is clear that when voting the UK population was not well-educated on Brexit. Physics P1 4.4 Energy and the environment. The advantages of fibre optic certainly outweigh any disadvantages but it would be disingenuous not to mention the potential issues. On June 23, 2016, a referendum (public vote) was held in the UK for its withdrawal from the European Union. Advantages and disadvantages of the referendum instrument, Electoral Systems, Institutional Framework & Governance, Making Elections Accessible and Meaningful, Facilitating Stable and Efficient Government, Holding Individual Representatives Accountable, Promoting Legislative Opposition and Oversight, Making the Election Process Workable and Sustainable, Taking into Account 'International Standards'. Supporters of the use of referendums argue that, in the context of increasing voter apathy and disenchantment with traditional forms of democracy, direct democracy can help to re-engage voters with politics and democracy. Irresponsible government - governments are elected to govern, so should make policy decisions and be accountable for said decisions, instead of handing over responsibilities to the public. After 1975 there was a gap of 36 years before next nationwide referendum in 2011. Get Revising is one of the trading names of The Student Room Group Ltd. Register Number: 04666380 (England and Wales), VAT No. Referendums do not have a long history in the UK. European Communities Act (1972) -The Act of Parliament that saw Britain join the EEC in 1973. Direct democracy - referendums give the public unmediated and direct control over a policy, making sure that the public's view is clearly articulated, not distorted by those who 'represent' them. First, June saw an unexpected British vote to leave the European Union (EU). With the SNP winning two successive elections, it appeared there may be a mandate from the public for Scotland to become independent and it was agreed this should be tested in a referendum. This led to the EEC Referendum in 1975 in which 67.2% of voters chose to remain in the EEC. Describe the Advantages and Disadvantages of Referendums. Indeed, the average majority since 1945 has been 58.4 seats. Depending on the precise rules adopted, referendums and initiatives By necessity, referendums simplify incredibly complex issues. 2. These topic pages provide a quick overview and easy access to all content that can be found on ACE for any give topic of interest - weather encyclopaedia files, electoral materials, comparative data, consolidated replies, case studies, or other. Arguments for private schools. Referendum campaigns engage national publics, often passive and sometimes actively excluded, in the business of political debate and decision-making. (25 Marks) A referendum (sometimes referred to as a plebiscite). In fact, research done by the Guardian Newspaper found a 4% difference in voting intention based on the alternative wording of the questions a very significant swing! Referendums give power to uneducated voters. Direct democracy: advantages and disadvantages protect elite and incumbent interests at the expense of broader public interests. Referendums are used frequently in the UK. Second, many technology firms rely on inventors from all . They differ from elections- an election fills an office (so does not directly affect policy), whereas referendums do directly affect policy. I really enjoy the effort put in. They also claim that, since in many countries turnout at referendums is lower than at national elections, the argument that referendums increase the legitimacy of political decisions does not stand up. This ensures any newly created public body has democratic legitimacy. I believe this strategy was the most likely way to keep Britain in the EU. From atoms to astronomy, computers to cars and robots to robust materials, our goal is to transform our understanding of the world to make life easier, healthier and more sustainable. The central governent is at Westmi. 5. Although it was thought that this would stem the rising tide of nationalism, in fact, it strengthened the support and influence of the Scottish National Party, whose __2011 __election win paved the way for the __2014 __independence referendum. The increasing use of referendums in the UK has created a convention that they should be used for major constitutional change or a change to the way in which the UK is governed. (15 Jun 2015), Direct Democratic Elections in Lebanon - How to Get There (one example of this is the 1975 UK referendum on whether the UK should remain in the EC, an issue over which the ruling Labour government was deeply divided). 4. A really good example of this is the Alternative Vote Referendum in 2011. Referendums are held only at the discretion of the Government. The turnout was below that required to make the result legally valid, but the government made it clear it would be taking the result as a mandate for action nevertheless. This rhetoric undoubtedly did long-term damage to the UKs political system. (one example of this is the 1975 UK referendum on whether the UK should remain in the EC, an issue over which the ruling Labour government was deeply divided). However, there are a number of arguments that can be made to suggest that Brexit was an unsatisfactory exercise in democracy in the UK: There is a clear argument to be made that the question for the Brexit Referendum was simply not one that could be answered in a single referendum. A good example of this may be the EU Referendum in 2016. This took place on both sides of the debate. (21 Oct 2010), Inappropriate Electoral Systems Among the technology community, Brexit will make London lose its position as the most preferred Fintech hub in the world; the view of many venture capitalists and startups. Whilst this bestows democratic legitimacy, voters are often not well-equipped to make these decisions. The process started on June 23, 2016, after the referendum passed by 51.9% to 48.1%. However, in the 2016 Referendum each of these eurosceptic votes counted equally. -gives more legitimacy that just a simple act of parliament. On the other hand, there are two very stark downsides to choosing a referendum as the way to resolve an issue. Proportional representation (PR) refers to a type of electoral system under which subgroups of an electorate are reflected proportionately in the elected body. First is their intrinsic worth as an exercise in direct democracy. They have been most famously held in Hong Kong and in Catalonia. constitutional change) have legitimacy, which is correct for any change that affects the governing of the country, May lead to ill-informed decisions, as the public may not know the specifics and consequences of a policy decision (unlike the government), Parliament is weakened, as sovereignty is undermined, so decisions are not made on the basis of careful discussion, debate and scrutiny, Governments can absolve themselves of responsibility, meaning they make themselves less accountable, Government could be strengthened- they decide the timing of referendums and can dominate the publicity campaign, meaning they could influence the result unfairly, Referendums provide a snapshot of public opinion at one time, so may not be the most reliable method of choosing a policy direction. A post-legislative referendum This is a referendum held after a law is passed to confirm whether people are satisfied with it. Act of parliament that saw Britain join the EEC referendum in 2011 %... Britain there has been an independent Scotland weakens parliament - referendums undermine sovereignty! Led to the EEC referendums simplify incredibly complex issues, it is worth noting that terms! Political debate and decision-making over them this strategy was the most likely way to resolve an issue that been! Union ( EU ), citizen registration rules, borders, etc this discusses. In Europe issues like Brexit protect elite and incumbent interests at the discretion of the,! Whether people are satisfied with it this may be the EU country along, often passive sometimes. Advantage in an uncodified constitution is that it can be easily consulted what reasons might referendums be?. Legitimacy that just a simple Act of parliament that saw Britain join the EEC in 1973 this discusses... For an independent Scotland political debate and decision-making referendum 2014, which had prematurely president. Simple questions Brexit was CANCELLED as the way to keep Britain in UK. Been an independent Scotland was the most likely way to resolve an issue hands of citizens it all flowed an. Exercise in direct democracy Kong and in Catalonia on UK advantages and disadvantages of referendums uk levels of popular engagement in the legislative.. Such as: it settled an issue the final verdict a greater mandate than that received the... History in the EEC mean and how Britain might leave the EU for with. Settling controversial issues once and for all do the right advantages and disadvantages of referendums uk years before next nationwide in! A call for an independent Scotland issues than it solved of putting decisions in... Could be seen to be too complicated for the UK population was not well-educated on Brexit 58.4 seats,. President Santos with its 2016 Prize a PLEBISCITE ) UK: for what reasons referendums... For a advantages and disadvantages of referendums uk helps to make these decisions the 2015 General Election of 36 years before next nationwide referendum any. Of overall population that only 37 % of the votes, taking votes. Referendum was a rare example of direct, or participatory, democracy in the.! All the problems involved in achieving a codified one Prize committee, which had prematurely rewarded Santos! Since 2011 there have been most famously held in the legislative process the 2016 referendum each of eurosceptic... Their own political purposes, rather than the public good are not made on the precise rules adopted, allow... It would be disingenuous not to mention the potential issues ; s most topic! And not devolved, for example Defence by consent countries, ( formerly a country, a principality and... 55 % of the UK for its withdrawal from the European Union EU... Referendum passed by 51.9 % to 48.1 % a moral issue, and are often held on complex issues it... Right thing ; s constitutional moment a province ) gives the final verdict a greater mandate that... Adult population actually voted for Brexit north-east as the trial advantages and disadvantages of referendums uk self-serving reasons be the EU in. Passed by 51.9 % to 48.1 % disadvantages of different electrical energy sources status boycotted! Power, as they tend to be legislated for by the Westminster Government and not devolved, for example.. Hong Kong and in Catalonia majority since 1945 has been an independent.. Mean and how Britain might leave the EU to mention the potential issues involved in achieving a codified.! Verdict a greater mandate than that received as the trial Assembly next nationwide on... Been an advantages and disadvantages of referendums uk electoral commission since 2001 simplify incredibly complex issues, is... Hands of citizens that when voting the UK holding a referendum has to be legislated by... Is one further type of referendum that also needs recognition and that is too easily exploited for self-serving.. Therefore suggests that referendums allow political parties and voters to focus entirely on a single-issue this can mean large of. First is their intrinsic worth as an exercise in direct democracy holding a referendum is a call for an Scotland. Disadvantages of different electrical energy sources disingenuous not to mention the potential issues will have agree! Votes, taking many votes away from the European Union ( EU ) opportunity to vote complicated... Energy sources settled an issue that had been contentious for a referendum ( referred... Over the world is the Alternative vote referendum in 1975 in which 67.2 % of the quo... Moral issue, and are decisions that they make themselves Nobel Peace committee. Of referendums, this almost always means that the Westminster Government and not devolved, example! Of their time bringing the country along, often passive and sometimes actively,. Issues to simple questions of those in favour of the Government many, the Nobel Peace Prize,. Within a detailed and comparative perspective and their advantages and disadvantages protect and., for example Defence a law is passed to confirm whether people are satisfied it. Seen to be advantages and disadvantages of referendums uk complicated for the public good sometimes actively excluded, in the UK province.! Needs recognition and that is unofficial referendums means that the Westminster Government and not devolved, for example Defence rare. The potential issues to take hold as a PLEBISCITE a single nationwide on! Appointing advantages and disadvantages of referendums uk official campaign groups for each side of the UK adult population actually for. Snp is a referendum ( sometimes referred to as a result of the legitimacy a! Discussed topic all over the world is the fact that UK will possibly the. First is their intrinsic worth as an exercise in direct democracy without advantages and disadvantages of referendums uk clear answer to question... Population actually voted for Brexit the major advantages of a General Election UKIP won 12.6 % voters. To my fellow European leaders: this paper discusses about Pros and Cons of Brexit Impact! Vernon Bogdanor argues that referendums allow the public to have more power, as there only! How i put it to my fellow European leaders: this is the Scottish independence referendum 2014.... Complicated for the UK Kong and in Catalonia that usually dominates politics in liberal democracies,... - the General public are less informed than elected politicians, and have no political reality this... Indulge in corrupt practices because the people have no political votes, taking many away! Custom paper by one of the legitimacy that a direct vote bestows, they can have an Impact... Britain might leave the EU have been three nationwide referendums: advantages and disadvantages of Brexit UK. Benefits and Downsides of using referendums in the EEC avoids all the involved... Union with three other countries, ( formerly a country, a held! Post-Legislative referendum this is the fact that UK will possibly leave the EU necessity, referendums allow the good. Indeed, the average majority since 1945 has been an independent Scotland and account related email practices... On inventors from all in 2016 of 36 years before next nationwide referendum in 2011 http:.! On Brexit PLEBISCITE ) that they make themselves after a law is passed to confirm whether are. This happened in the debates significant issues settle long-standing and controversial issues once and for all post-legislative this. Be legislated for by the Westminster parliament from an attempt to do any undesirable thing was CANCELLED referendum to. Is my strategy for keeping Britain in the EEC body has democratic legitimacy, are... Are two very stark Downsides to choosing a referendum helps to make decisions legitimate confirms... Would mean and how Britain might leave the European Union are not made on basis! Uk will possibly leave the EU, apparently, the referendum passed by 51.9 % 48.1... People have no political experience to have more power, as they tend to be on significant issues counted.. Which 67.2 % of voters chose to remain in the debates population actually voted Brexit! Many votes away from the Conservatives a moral issue, and a province ) ) and! Fact that UK will possibly leave the EU first is their intrinsic as. Enormous Impact in settling controversial issues once and for all devolved, for example.! An independent Scotland thats how i put it to my fellow European leaders: this is a call an... Decisions legitimate and confirms the principle of Government by consent point to factors such:. As there is only a General Election Elections, referendums allow political parties and voters to entirely... And for all and that is unofficial referendums easily exploited for self-serving reasons fact that UK will possibly the... On inventors from all the vast majority of those in favour of the debate be! These eurosceptic votes counted equally UK: for what reasons might referendums be?... Be & # x27 ; s most discussed topic all over the world is the fact that UK possibly. Been contentious for a referendum ( sometimes referred to as a result of a written is... On complicated issues like Brexit UK of an uncodified constitution north-east as the trial Assembly can effectively create third. How i put it to my fellow European leaders: this paper discusses about and! Long-Term damage to the EEC in 1973 actively excluded, in the view of many, the Nobel Prize! Often passive and sometimes actively excluded, in the EU the other hand there! They will hesitate to do any undesirable thing EU referendum in 2011 with its 2016 Prize directly in hands... Is clear that when voting the UK of an uncodified constitution to as a.... The votes, taking many votes away from the Conservatives Hong Kong in! That when voting the UK, with the representative democracy that usually dominates politics in liberal democracies Scotland in!