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After the Irish "No": Democracy in UK

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IR+R NEWS - news about democratic reform, citizens' initiative,
referendum, recall of elected officials. A service of
Citizens' Initiative and Referendum I&R ~ GB
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AFTER THE IRISH "NO": REFLECTION ON DEMOCRACY IN THE UK

June 2008

Claim right of citizens to propose and obtain a referendum

Political parties in Britain fish for votes by using the promise of a
referendum as bait. Recent experience on several important themes -- the
electoral system, the Euro currency and worst of all the constitutional
treaty for Europe* -- has shown that such promises were unreliable or
worthless.

We are told by politicians that a referendum cannot be held unless the
government of the day "allows" one. An Act of the usually obedient
parliament is required to rubber-stamp a wish of the prime minister to
hold a referendum. There are better ways to govern our own public
affairs. There is no good reason to do things in this centralised and
dictatorial manner. The Irish example in 2008, similar in Denmark 2005,
show that this must *not* be the case.

The electorate must take back their power to decide on certain important
issues which they select. How can this be done? We must simply introduce
the right of citizens to propose and force a referendum, by collecting a
large number of endorsements for a proposal. Using this method, which is
used in a number of countries similar to ours, we can propose or change
a law and formulate a directive to our representatives in the European
Union. Also, we can put up for veto (by referendum) a government bill, a
new international treaty or proposed change in constitution.

See also the posting below "MPs reject EU treaty referendum"

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*The Labour Party manifesto 2005 stated:

"The EU now has 25 members and will continue to expand. The new
Constitutional Treaty ensures the new Europe can work effectively, and
that Britain keeps control of key national interests like foreign
policy, taxation, social security and defence. The Treaty sets out what
the EU can do and what it cannot. It strengthens the voice of national
parliaments and governments in EU affairs. It is a good treaty for
Britain and for the new Europe. We will put it to the British people in
a referendum and campaign whole-heartedly for a ‘Yes’ vote to keep
Britain a leading nation in Europe."



MPs REJECT EU TREATY REFERENDUM

bbc.com 5.3.2008 "MPs reject EU treaty referendum
The government says a referendum is not needed on the treaty
MPs have rejected proposals to hold a UK-wide referendum on whether to
ratify the EU's Lisbon Treaty.
The House of Commons turned down the Conservative proposal by 311 votes
to 248 - a margin of 63.
The result means Parliament itself will decide whether to ratify the
treaty, signed by EU leaders last December." <snip>

Above items appear at *INIREF BLOG <http://www.iniref.org/blog.html>*

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About I&R ~ GB
We advocate the introduction of direct democratic procedures such as
citizens' initiative, issue-ballot, referendum, and recall in the
countries of
Great Britain and Northern Ireland. With over ten years' experience
we put forward proposals, provide campaign resources, offer to provide
speakers, organise workshops and conferences.
Web site: http://www.iniref.org
Contact: info AT iniref.org

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