Enhancing Democracy

Enhancing Democracy

1. Facts

   • In 1950 85% of UK citizens voted, in 2016 66% voted.
   • At the same time the UK had an on-off relationship with Europe, this has been a long ass issue. We have no set that relationship to "off"

2. Referendums

   • 1975 EU Referendum - Ratified entry to the EEC now called the EU
   • 1997 Scottish Devolution - Re-established a Scottish Parliament with devolved powers
   • 1998 Belfast Agreement - Brought peace and a political settlement to N.I
   • 2014 Scottish Independence - Voted to remain 45/55 but the SNP are much stronger as a result
   • 2016 EU Referendum - UK voted to leave requiring a complete renegotiation of trade deals with the EU

3. EU Referendum Arguments for and against holding it

   • For
     • Political Education - The only way to educate the population is to involve them.
     • Responsive Government - Allow for the public to voice an opinion on specific issues. They are forced to listen because the people actually have an influece
     • Direct Democracy - The voter turnout was 71.6%, higher than the previous GE. People became engaged and hopefully it will carry over into the GE
     • Reduced Government Power - Referendums offer power to the public, even if Government has a strong majority it doesn't matter because that all means nothing in a referendum
     • Constitutional Changes - Constitutional Changes are far more important than normal legislative rulings. They affect the way the country is ruled, it is only fair that the people get a say in it
   • Against
     • Ill-Informed decisions. It was a mistake to give such a significant decision to the general public when we have politicians who's job it is to make decisions like this
     • Irresponsible Government - The government can pass the buck of the fallout of leaving onto others if it goes wrong. But can claim all the success if it goes right.
     • Strengthens Government - They have control over when this referendum is held, they can choose the phrasing (We normally vote for the "yes answer") They can also dominate the public campaign
     • Weakens Parliament - Referendums don't strengthen democracy but substitute representative for direct which simply undermines parliament.
     • Unreliable Views - Referendums only provide a snapshot of a view point. A poll after the referendum showed if it was held straight after "Remain" would've won.

4. Ways to strengthen a democracy

   • Focus Groups
     • Politicians get a group of people together and they can target their campaigns better
   • Citizens Jury
     • Using a representative sample, citizens are asked to discuss a series of approaches. They can cross examine ministers to keep them in check.
   • Recall election
     • A procedure by which voters can remove an elected official from office through a direct vote.
   • Primary Election
     • An election to decide party leaders. Anyone member of the party can vote in these elections
   • E-Petition
     • Any e-petition with 100,000 signatures has to be debated in commons, 50,000 for parliament to respond to it