ETVT the UK is suffering from a participation crisis

3 points to cover in essay

1. voter turnout

2. party membership

3. other methods of participation

voter turnout

weaker argument

• 2014 Scottish Independence referendum had 85% and Brexit 72%- still significant engagement

stronger argument

• turnout low in devolved bodies and in GE

• 64% in Scottish Parliament elections, 47% in 2021 Senedd election, 59% 2024 GE

party membership

weaker argument

• some smaller parties grew- Greens with 53,000

stronger argument

• 1.6% of electorate belong to a party compared to 3.8% in 1983

• Labour membership 500,000 in 2019 to 340,000 in 2024

other methods of participation

weaker argument

• in 2024, consistent protests for immediate ceasefire in Gaza (1.2m signatures)

• e-petitions: 2023, 38,000 signed for increase in maternity pay

stronger argument

• less impactful- government rejected debate of ceasefire

agree or disagree? why?

agree because voter turnout and party membership have significantly declined, indicating disengagement from traditional political processes