Democracy reforms haven't gone far enough

Question 1

Debate themes

Answer 1

1. Replacing FPTP
2. Extending/reforming franchise
3. Greater use of direct democracy

Question 2

For: Replacing FPTP

Answer 2

FPTP Undermines UK Democracy – Reform Needed

Lack of Proportionality:
FPTP is a plurality system – MPs often win without majority support.
Seat distribution doesn’t match national vote share.
Favours parties with geographically concentrated support - underrepresents majority of minor parties.
Evidence of Disproportionality:
2019: Lib Dems – 11.5% of vote, only 1.7% of seats. (11 seats but would have been 75 with PR system)

Winner’s Bonus:
Over-rewards leading party, even without majority support.
2024: Labour – 33.7% of vote, but won 411 seats (landslide majority with 174).
Skews outcomes and undermines legitimacy.

Limited Voter Choice:
Only one vote – can’t show full political preference.
Leads to tactical voting and high numbers of wasted votes.
Better Alternatives Exist:
AMS (used in Scotland/Wales) allows 2 votes (one for party, other for constituency member) – more choice and representation (can split ticket).
Reduces vote wastage and improves fairness.

Judgment:
Reforms haven’t gone far enough – FPTP continues to distort outcomes.
Proportional systems would strengthen democracy and better reflect public will.

Question 3

Against: Replacing FPTP

Answer 3

FPTP Has Clear Strengths – Reform May Not Be Necessary

Public Support for Status Quo:
2011 AV Referendum – 68% voted against changing the system (on 42% turnout).
Suggests public is not strongly in favour of reform.

Simplicity and Speed:
FPTP is easy for voters – one vote for one candidate.
Results are delivered quickly and transitions are smooth.
Example: 2024 – First result of constituency Sunderland South known at 23:15; Starmer entered Downing Street as PM next day at 12:40pm.

Strong MP-Constituency Link:
One MP per constituency ensures clear accountability.
MPs are accessible, hold surgeries, and respond directly to local concerns.
Effective Local Representation:
Example: Dec 2023 – 22 Conservative MPs rebelled to support Labour amendment aimed at speeding up compensation for victims of the infected blood scandal - rebelled against 3 line conservative whip to do so.
Bill passed - called for establishment of a body to administer compensation within 3 months of passing the Victims and Prisoners bill.
Caroline Nokes (Romsey & Southampton North) rebelled due to strong local pressure.
Shows how FPTP enables MPs to act in line with constituency interests, not just party.

Judgment:
While not perfect, FPTP delivers key democratic strengths – simplicity, stability, and accountability.
Reforms may not be urgently needed if the system continues to function effectively in practice.

Question 4

For: Extending/reforming franchise

Answer 4

Extending the Franchise Would Strengthen UK Democracy

Low Turnout Undermines Participation:
Turnout was 67.3% in 2019 and fell to 59.8% in 2024.
Suggests democratic engagement is weakening.

Key Reform Proposal:

Votes at 16:
Supported by Labour in 2024 manifesto but not yet introduced.
Early voting could form a lifelong habit and boost engagement.
Young people are politically active on social media which has led to political movements (e.g. Fridays For Future climate strikes).
Proven success in Scotland IndyRef– 16/17-year-olds showed high engagement in elections (84.6% VT).

Youth Representation and Rights:
Young people deserve a say on issues that affect them (e.g. tuition fees).
Already have key responsibilities – can work + join armed forces.

Compulsory Voting – Another Option:
Example: Australia – turnout consistently above 90%.
Would improve representation and make parties more responsive to all groups.
Emphasises voting as a civic duty, not just a right.

Judgment:
Current system excludes large sections of the population.
Extending the franchise and increasing turnout would make UK democracy fairer, more inclusive, and more representative.

Question 5

Against: Extending/reforming franchise

Answer 5

Franchise Reforms May Not Be Necessary or Effective

Votes at 16 – Criticisms:
Low turnout among 18–24s already – unclear if 16–17s would engage more.
Little evidence most 16–17 year olds want the vote.
Many lack political knowledge so may misuse vote – reform would require stronger political education.
Legal rights at 16 are limited – e.g. can’t be deployed to front line until 18, few work full time.

Compulsory Voting – Criticisms:
Seen as undemocratic – voting is a right, not an obligation.
Doesn’t solve the underlying causes of voter disengagement.
In ranked systems (e.g. STV), uninterested voters may rank randomly (donkey voting).

Doesn’t stop focus on marginal seats – structural campaign issues remain.

Judgment:
Franchise reform alone won’t fix democratic disengagement.
Risk of rushed or ineffective changes without broader political education and engagement strategy.

Question 6

For: Greater use of direct democracy

Answer 6

Greater Use of Direct Democracy Would Improve UK Democracy

High Turnout and Public Engagement:
Referendums often have higher turnout than general elections.
Example: 2014 Scottish Independence – 84.6%; 2016 EU referendum – 72.2%.

Democratic Legitimacy:
Referendums involve citizens directly in key decisions.
Growing expectation (convention) that public should be consulted on major constitutional changes.

Accountability and Political Education:
Direct democracy acts as a check on government power between elections.
Increases political engagement and public understanding of complex issues.
2014 IndyRef aired diverse views – economy, future of Trident, etc.

Judgment:

Greater use of referendums and citizens’ assemblies would deepen democratic participation and restore trust in politics.
These tools could complement representative democracy, not replace it.

Question 7

Against: Greater use of direct democracy

Answer 7

Direct Democracy Risks Undermining Parliamentary Sovereignty

Undermines Representative Democracy:
Complex issues are often reduced to binary choices - citizens aren’t as well educated as politicians.

Political Motives Behind Referendums:
Brexit referendum was partly a strategy to stop vote losses to UKIP in 2015.
AV referendum (2011) became a protest vote against the Lib Dems – not a true reflection on the issue itself.

Low Turnout Undermines Legitimacy:
Not all referendums achieve high engagement.
2011 AV referendum turnout: just 42.2% – weak democratic mandate.

Judgment:

While direct democracy has potential benefits, it also risks oversimplifying complex issues, politicisation, and weakening representative institutions.
Reform in this area must be cautious and clearly integrated with representative mechanisms.