Prime Minister David Cameron, of England, is proposing a referendum among his people as to their desire in remaining within the European Union. This is to take place hopefully in 2017, after an anticipated election about that time. In the meantime, he hopes to arrange some better terms.
This is an example of an effort to obtain a concluded decision from the people in a democratic fashion, that is for sure. And it is clearly proper for such an important issue to be settled by the people - rather than by possibly split political parties. However, do not confuse it with efforts to expand the idea of direct democracy. For in the latter case that involves a binding process initiated by the people.
This is one initiated by the government of the time.
At the moment there is no procedure within the UK to permit initiatives from the people, resulting in binding referendums. That is the the only way it is done in Switzerland, for example, where via that method, the Swiss people did vote several years ago not to join the EU. The Swiss are rightly pleased at that decision, seeing the troubles now confronting the EU. And the Swiss people pursue similar types of referendums often.
Perhaps, however, the Brits, seeing an opportunity to voice their own opinions upon an important issue on this one occasion, will push their government to give them more opportunities to do similarly in the future. For it is certainly right that the people should have a direct say in important issues, especially in this modern age of easy communication.
Don't you agree - even though we have no way to have any say about any issues, yet, here in Canada?
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