The UK would benefit greatly from the wider use of referendums. Discuss.

Authors Avatar

The UK would benefit greatly from the wider use of referendums. Discuss.

A referendum is a form of direct democracy involving a public vote on some single issue of public policy. It is a means of presenting a question of importance for a popular consideration and decision.

There are many arguments both for and against the wider use of referendums. The use of referendums was greatly favoured by Blair and his new Labour government in 1997. Labour took the view that the device is a democratic one in that it gives the people a direct voice in decision making so that any decision made acquires legitimacy because it has popular approval. Blair remarked in 1995 “ in the case of constitutional change there is clearly a case for that decision to be taken by the British people”.

Further arguments for referendums is that they are not just democratic but are a means of saving democracy with which some people have become disenchanted. If politicians and parties seem distant from the people and unwilling to listen to them referendums are a means of restoring their faith in the democratic process allowing the will of the people to be expressed on an issue in the clearest possible manner. In addition, they encourage participation are the offer a more direct form of democracy. The wider use of referendums appears particularly desirable particularly in the light of low turnouts in general elections.  

Join now!

Another argument for the wider use of referendums would make the electorate better informed on individual issues. For example, in some US states a detailed document is produced setting out the arguments and financial costs involved. In addition, the provide a way of focusing or renewing the mandate on a particular issue of legitimizing major constitutional changes. For example the referendums held ahead of the creation of the Scottish Parliament and Welsh assembly. In addition, they can prevent dangerous divisions within political parties over controversial issues. This prevents governments collapsing and therefore provides greater continuity in government. This was shown ...

This is a preview of the whole essay