how could we improve democracy in the uk?

referendums (ref(s)):

  • a referendum is a vote on a specific issue

  • tend to be used - in the UK - for constitutional reform

  • since 1973, UK has held 12 refs. on diff issue

    • 8 after 1997

  • refs works best when used to provide legitimacy, subsequently providing higher levels of certainty n stability

yes, they will enhance UK democracy

no, they won’t

there is support for wider use of refs on key political decisions - high engagement in Scottish independence n EU refs proved this

a current weakness is that there is no popular control over when n where they will be used - refs may only be called if the gov is confident they will win them (esp post 2016

processes could also be established for citizens to initiate refs to overturn legislation

the current system is the most successful way of calling refs - increased refs may lead to voter fatigue n apathy when turn out is already low

initiatives (not currently in use in the uk):

  • Public-initiated laws:

    • Allow citizens to propose laws/amendments

    • Require a set number of public signatures

    • If passed, it becomes law

  • Currently in Switzerland and parts of the USA

  • Proposal for the UK:

    • Public proposes laws, vote on ballot

    • No role for elected politicians

  • Potential drawbacks:

    • Undermines representative democracy

    • Majority may disregard minority rights

  • Example: Swiss ban on minaret construction

    • 2009 initiative by voters

    • Restricts Muslim religious practices

    • Raises concerns about freedom of religion

    • Ban still in place today

citizens’ assemblies (not currently in use in the uk):

  • Citizens' Assemblies:

    • 50 to 200 people chosen by sortition

    • Criteria for broad societal representation

  • Examples:

    • Ireland's 'Convention on the Constitution'

      • Led to 2015 Marriage Equality Referendum

    • Addressed abortion laws (passed 66-34 in 2018)

  • Democratic enhancement:

    • Explores public views on policy issues

    • Generates concrete solutions

  • Advocacy by XR for UK citizens' assemblies on climate change

  • Challenges:

    • Need for clarity, time, money

    • Requires broad cross-party support

    • Risk of potential harm without proper implementation

recall election:

  • Recall of MPs Act 2015:

    • Introduced in the UK

    • MPs can be recalled under specific circumstances

      • Conviction and imprisonment

      • Suspension for breaking code of conduct

      • Conviction for false Parliamentary expense claims

  • Process:

    • If 10% eligible voters sign a petition

    • MP is removed, triggering a by-election

  • 3 recall petitions held, 2 successful

    • Fiona Onasanya recalled, replaced by Lisa Forbes

    • Christopher Davies recalled, lost to Jane Dodds

  • Call for improvement in recall criteria for enhanced democracy

    • Current criteria deemed too narrow

  • Critics argue widening criteria may compromise MPs' independent thinking

electoral registration reform:

  • Voter Registration in the UK (2019):

    • Electoral Commission found 9m people (17%) not correctly registered

    • Disparities among demographics:

      • Young people, renters, low-income, and ethnic minorities

    • Limited participation in elections

  • Proposal for Enhanced Democracy:

    • Automatic voter registration

    • Ensures everyone's ability to vote

  • Concerns:

    • Accuracy, safety, and cost of the system questioned

  • Previous recommendation (2014):

    • House of Commons Committee suggested automatic registration

    • Concerns raised about cost and security against voter fraud


Potential solutions

Potential problems

Logistics

Weekend rather than weekday voting would raise turnout by up to 10%

Online voting – NUS found 85% of students would be more likely to vote

Moving to weekend voting would incur many extra costs.

Online voting is seen as not being secure from fraud.

Compulsory voting

Would increase engagement, and thus legitimacy of all institutions.

People should have freedom of choice to participate or not.

Voting age

Reducing turnout to 16 would increase youth turnout and filter through.

Interest in politics at a young age could be low, or they could lack understanding.

Voting system

Change the voting system from FPTP to a more representative system

Other systems aren’t as ‘easy to follow’ as FPTP and would lead to coalitions. The current system is also embedded in the UK political culture.

Wider institutional reform

There are shortcomings – the House of Lords being unelected for example. Also issues of party funding and powers of devolved bodies have been called into question.

Wide ranging reforms can create new problems – House of Commons takes precedent over the House of Lords because it is elected. If the House of Lords was elected too then what arguments would the House of Commons have for being supreme?


in summary: will reforms enhance democracy?

yes

no

Public Involvement in Politics:

  • Boosts representative democracy

  • Increases engagement and participation

  • Enhances legitimacy and politician accountability

Direct Democracy Concerns:

  • May raise political apathy

  • Weakens politicians' ability to fulfil promises

Automatic Voter Registration:

  • Ensures citizens are prepared to vote

Automatic Voter Registration Concerns:

  • Issues with fraud, accuracy, and cost

Voting and Electoral Reform:

  • Boosts participation across society

Doubts about Voting and Electoral Reform:

  • Potential to not boost effective participation

  • Risks undermining UK democracy features

Institutional Reforms:

  • Essential to address democratic deficit and participation crisis

Risks of Institutional Reforms:

  • Could increase opposition to elected institutions

  • Weakens Parliament's power