Case studies - Democracy and Participation

Direct democracy

Referendums:

Brexit - 2016

• 2016

• Question: whether the country should remain in or leave the EU

• Result: 51.9% voted to leave, and 48.1% voted to remain.

• Turnout: 72.2% of eligible voters participated.

• Significance: The result led to the UK's withdrawal from the EU on January 31, 2020, marking a major political and economic shift.

Scottish independence - 2014

• 2014

• Question: Should Scotland be an independent country?

• Result: 55.3% voted No (to remain in the UK), and 44.7% voted Yes (for independence).

• Turnout: 84.6%, one of the highest in UK voting history.

• Significance: The vote kept Scotland in the UK but intensified debates about Scotland's future, particularly after the 2016 Brexit referendum.

Recall of MPS:

• Recall of MPs Act 2015

• voters can trigger a by-election if an MP is found guilty of wrongdoing (e.g., criminal conviction, suspension from the House).

• Requires at least 10% of constituents to sign a recall petition.

• An MP is convicted of a criminal offense and receives a prison sentence of 12 months or less (sentences over 12 months automatically disqualify the MP).

• The MP is suspended from the House of Commons for at least 10 sitting days (or 14 calendar days) following a recommendation by the Standards Committee.

• The MP is found guilty of providing false or misleading information in a parliamentary expenses claim under the criminal law.