What are referendums

Question 1

What are some of the reasons why we may have referendums?

Answer 1

1) Constitutional matters: Devolution (1998), Brexit (2016), remaining in the EU (1975) and AV vote (2011).

2) Ethical issues - Euthanasia and Abortion (Ireland case).

3) War

Question 2

1997 Referendum

Answer 2

• Should additional powers be devolved to Wales and the established assembly.
• Held because it was a fundamental change in the system - consent required.

+ Yes = 50.3%
+ Turnout = 50.1%

Question 3

1998 Referendum

Answer 3

• Should the Belfast Agreement be implemented?
• Held because it required support across the whole divided community

+ Yes = 71.7%
+ Turnout = 81%

Question 4

2011 Referendum

Answer 4

• Should the UK adopt the AV system for general elections.
• Held because the coalition govt was divided on the issue of electoral reform (constitutional matter).

+ Yes = 32.1%
+ Turnout = 42.2%

Question 5

2014 Referendum

Answer 5

• Should Scotland become a completely separate independent country?
• Held because it was a fundamental question about who governs Scotland.

+ Yes = 44.7%
+ Turnout = 84.6%

Question 6

2016 Referendum

Answer 6

• Should the UK remain a member of the EU?
• Held because it was a fundamental question - divided on the issue.

+ Yes = 48.1%
+ No = 51.9%
+ Turnout = 72.2

Question 7

What does Brexit show us about the issues of referendums

Answer 7

1) Electorate didn’t understand what Brexit meant and the consequences of leaving the EU - more complicated (e.g customs in the single-market, potential erosion of rights - don’t have to follow ECHR).

2) Populism - people voting short term and what’s appealing to them (immigration).

3) Demographics - made up of four nations but England dominates the vote to leave (50/62M), while Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to remain.

4) Demographics - older population (60+) voted to leave while the young (18-25) voted to remain. Voting polarised.

5) Parliamentary sovereignty - parliament still has to agree on the change, as it is sovereign - lead to a heavily divided Parliament and political instability.

• Brexit lost us 2 MPs (TM, DC), took 3 years and there was no collective responsibility in cabinet.