1.2 wider franchise

• How important is public trust in MPs to the participation crisi?

  they are how the electorate engage with politics and the key aspect of the UK's participatory democracy. This means that when they are viewed as corrupt and ridiculed it damages the credibility of Westminster and leads to voter apathy. For instance, Owen Paterson resigned after being suspended for "an egregious case of paid advocacy" in 2021 and Jack Pintcher as Deputy Chief Whip for sexually assualting two men whilst drunk in 2022. Instances like these contribute to the 8.8% decrease in voting in comparison with 1964-77.
• Argument against the importance of MPs trust to the participation crisis?

  a general failure to engage in politics means that the public are content enough with politics that they see no pressing need to engage. Voter turnout dramatically decreased to 59.4% in 2001 when Blair govt seemed certain of re-election and having a strong government competency.
• What is UK participation like in comparison with local elections?

  Devolved governments, elected mayors and elected crime and polic commissioners provide the public with greater opportunity to engage with the political process at a local level. However, recent voter turnout at local elections suggest the problem of voter engagement is not confined to Westminster. turnout at devolved elections is no higher than Westminster and Welsh Parliament (Senedd Cymru) is significantly lower at 46.5%
• How is local elections increasing participation?

  There is an increase in participation in police and crime commisioners elected in 2021, on average, a turnout of just 33.2% although that was considerably higher than 15.1% turnout in 2012 when they were introduced.
• How has other types of participation indicate there isn't a participation crisis?

  When issues are significantly imporant to the public they can still vote in very large numbers. The scottish independence referendum had 84.6% turnout. A 7.6% increase in turnout at the brexit referendum in 2016 compared to 1975. e-petitions with 6.1 million signing the Revoke Article 50 and remain in the EU petition. e-petitions provide and fresh way of public participation. and 100,000 who joined protest in Glasgow during COP26 in 2021 showcasing an increase in political activism.
• How has other types of participation increase the participation crisis?

  With more engagment in less traditional forms of participation such as e-petitions there has been less membership of political parties. dropping from 1,005,000 in 1953 to 430,000 in 2021. As less people identify with one party due to partisan dealignment are less likely to join one, in which as a member may influence the party manifesto and leader of the party. More difficult in doing so through online means. Whilst, partisan dealignment can lead to tactical voting it is more likely to lead to voring apathy.