... the government believes it is important to increase direct democracy. Even though the use of referendums has increased, there has been only eleven referendums in the past twenty five years, and almost half have took place while the present Labour government have been in office. Examples of British referendums are: the referendum on the devolution of Wales, which produced a 'yes' outcome; the London, Scotland and Northern Ireland referendums on devolving central government power; on the dissolution of marriage; and the referendum on Cabinet Confidentiality. An example of a referendum that is imminent could be the decision whether to join the Euro or not; however, it is unlikely that this will take place before the next general election and if the Conservative Party become government then it will be even less likely that a referendum will take place due to the Conservative's commitment to saving the pound. Similarly, the entire ...

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