4.4.2 Factors affecting sovereignty

Question 1

Referendums: what impact does this have on sovereignty moving?

Answer 1

• since 1997, referendums have acted as a mechanism for a de facto transfer of sovereignty from Parliament to the public
• referendums aren’t legally binding: in further detail, this is refuted due to the fact that referendums such as on Scottish independence & EU membership have led to a strong incentive to take action (& this has been done)
• going into even further detail, the 2016 Brexit referendum shows that, despite a majority of MPs reportedly opposing leaving the EU, Parliament ultimately voted to respect the referendum result & initiate the exit process: this demonstrates how referendums, even in an advisory capacity, can effectively shift the locus of decision-making power, reflecting a move in sovereignty towards direct democracy & the will of the people