against referendums

Cards (11)

  • Binary question which reduces complex issues too much
  • Puts too much power in the electorate
    • Delegitimising the power of politicians e.g. in 2016 Cameron resigned as he wanted to remain
    • Not all have political literacy
    • Elected politicans have more expertise to act rationally e.g. in 2016 EU voters immigration fears and perceived damage to "British values" allowed for emotional decision making
  • Elected representatives consider minority and majority when making decisions
    • Scottish independence voters did not have to consider the rest of the UK
    • EU referendum did not have to consider NI
  • Undermines Parliamentary sovreignty
  • Undermines representative democracy and the trustee model
  • Referendums are ad hoc and advisory
    • However in 2022, following the Gina Miller case, the Supreme Court ruled that Parliament had to vote to enact Article 50
    • 2016 MP Creagh for Wakesfield voted against enacting Article 50 even though her constituency voted overwhelmingly to Leave
  • Tyranny of the majority e.g. Scotland tyrannised by English majority - 62% voted to Remain
  • Media can lack transparency e.g. 350 Million Red Bus
  • Turnout has been low - 38% in 1998 Elected Mayor
  • Turnour is only generated for bigger issues
  • Can cause division, especially with a close result and no quorum
    • 2016 EU had 51.9% Leave and 48.1% Remain - division and calls for 2nd referendum
    • 2014 Scottish referendum 55.3% no and 44.7% yes - second one pushed for by SNP