Should referendums be used more widely?

A referendum is a vote in which the electorate can express a view on a specific issue, rather than merely relying on the decision of the MP representing them, hence making it a form of direct democracy. They have become a more recognised part of the UK democratic system since Tony Blair’s 1997 government, and it has become an almost expectation that a referendum will be called if any major constitutional change was up for debate. There have been calls for referendums to be used even more widely in the UK as it is argued that they improve democracy and promote political participation, although there is evidence to suggest that a referendum is probably not always the best solution in every case and so their proliferation of their use should be met with caution. Perhaps the most common argument in favour of the more frequent use of referendums in the UK is the fact that they are an example of direct democracy; the ‘purest form of democracy’, because they give the electorate unmediated control over government decision-making. Elections only allow the selection of a representative in Parliament, who can effectively make any decision they like in the name of their constituents, even if it not what they agree with. Referendums therefore by contrast, ensure that the public’s views and interests are properly articulated, and not distorted by politicians who may be influenced by party loyalties. In Switzerland, binding referendums are used on a regular basis, and work reasonably effectively, so it could be argued that the UK should follow suit and make itself more democratic. It has been suggested however, that giving unmediated decision influencing power to the electorate is not beneficial to the country, because the ordinary people are not sufficiently educated to engage directly in politics. In other words, MPs represent the electorate because there are experts in the field, and the public interest is best safeguarded with the politicians. Referendums therefore, based on this argument, are not wise because they would result in ill informed, rash and impulsive decisions that may not be what is best for the country.