Arguments for and against the wider use of referendums in the UK

Question 1

How do referendums encourage participation?

Answer 1

Allow citizens to have a real input on key decisions that matter to them, e.g. the adoption of the euro

Question 2

How do referendums focus on or renew the mandate?

Answer 2

By focusing on a particular issue or legitimising major constitutional changes, e.g. the referendums held ahead of the creation of the Scottish Parliament and Welsh assembly

Question 3

How do referendums stop a government from being deadlocked?

Answer 3

Provide a clear and final answer

Question 4

How do referendums prevent political parties collapsing?

Answer 4

Prevent dangerous division within parties over controversial issues, e.g. 1975 UK referendum on membership of the EEC minimised damage done within the Labour cabinet

Question 5

How do referendums undermine indirect democracy?

Answer 5

Allow the government to duck their responsibility to govern. Resulting in a tyranny of the majority

Question 6

How are referendums too complicated?

Answer 6

Can’t be condensed into yes/no question, e.g. should the decision over joining the euro be in the hands of the general public or those with a grasp of economics

Question 7

How a referendums not played out on a level playing field?

Answer 7

Funding differentials between the yes and no camps, e.g. the yes campaign in 1975 was far better funded than the no campaign

Question 8

How are referendum decisions not always considered final?

Answer 8

Governments sometimes go back again and again until they get the result they want, e.g. the creation of a Scottish parliament was put to vote in 1979 and 1997