Mike Simpson, Bradford Grammar School
Lessons to
be learned?
The Scottish referendum of 2014 was
one of only a few that have been held
in the UK. There have only been two
national referendums. One in 1975 over
continued membership of the EEC and
in 2011 over the use of the Alternative
Vote. Their infrequent use would
suggest that there are problems with
referendums.
However it could be argued that the recent Scottish referendum
was a turning point in the debate. Indeed the Scottish referendum
graphically demonstrates just how they can and should be used.
The way in which the referendum was conducted and the manner
in which the process was embraced by the public helped answer
criticisms that have been levelled in the past. Furthermore, it can be
argued that the referendum illustrated the way in which democracy
can be revived in the UK.
The timing of the referendum was not an issue that was exploited by
the government, neither was the wording which was decided by the
independent Electoral Commission. The massive turnout clearly
shows they have the support of the public. Turnout in the Scottish
Parliament election was a mere 51% in 2011. The fact that the
mainstream parties’ views were challenged shows the public were
capable of voting in an independent fashion.
In the past, critics of referendums have argued that the people lack
the specialist knowledge to make a reasoned decision. They argue
that issues such as membership of the EU are complex and relate to
questions relating to economics and the impact of issues such as the
Eurozone crisis. Elected members of parliament have the expertise
the public lack to make the best judgement of the UK. It is doubtful
the public understood the complexities of electoral systems in the
AV referendum.
However, the Scottish referendum demonstrated that with sufficient
time and resources, the public can make an informed decision. In
2014, extensive campaigns and the availability of literature and the
Mike Simpson, Bradford Grammar School
Lessons to
be learned?
(continued)
use of the internet meant that the public were well aware of the key
issues in the debate. The use of social networks, facebook and twitter,
demonstrated not only a highlevel of engagement, but knowledge
and understanding of the issues. Referendums could be part of a
“new politics” and should be embraced as the traditional channels of
participation of voting and party membership have experienced a
dramatic decline.
Referendums need not be held on every issue but the case for the selected use of referendums for key constitutional issues in a regulated
manner as in Scotland cannot be denied. The Scottish referendum
may have been a no vote to independence but it was a clear yes vote
for the increased use of this mechanism.
It has been argued that referendums are costly and there are
questions on what issues should be entitled to a referendum vote.
If constitutional issues are to be referendum questions, should this
include House of Lords reforms? Should the voting age be reduced
to 16? Should only English MPs be allowed to vote on English matters?
If the principle of referendums is accepted should there be votes on
the budget and NHS spending and deployment of troops abroad.
Modern government is too big and complex to have a referendum
on each and every issue, go the arguments against their use.
But once again these arguments have been rendered invalid as the
problems of the past have been addressed. There are now controls
in place in order to ensure that there is not an imbalance in spending
as there was in 1975 when the pro EEC campaign outspent the no
campaign by 16:1. Similarly, the problems of question setting can be
resolved by reference to an impartial committee as mentioned.
The main reason for their greater use is that they would help address
the democratic crisis that the UK presently faces. In 2001 only 59%
of the population voted and 61% in 2005. People have lost faith in
parliament and MPs (especially after the expenses scandal). More
referendums would help increase participation and representation
which are the foundations of democracy. Democracy is “rule of the
people, by the people, for the people”. The greater the involvement
of the people, the more direct democracy is achieved. Given the
FPTP electoral system, parliament does not adequately represent
the people. Referendums would help address these problems. Turnout
in the Scottish referendum was 85% which clearly highlights their
democratic worth.
Questions
How does direct democracy differ from representative
democracy?
What is the West Lothian question?
Why might the Labour party be regarded as the losers
in the referendum debate?