Point of view Quote by Ben Pimlott
““remedy. The issue of Europe, he suggested, should be taken out of the hands of governments and parties, and put directly to the people in a referendum. Such a vote would be constitutionally new, but then so was signing away power to a European body. It could be justified on the grounds that the issue affected the rights of every citizen. From Labour’s point of view, there was the advantage that it would make it possible for non-partisan front-benchers to avoid any outright personal commitment, or contradiction of earlier positions – without loss of face.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Politics of Europe (hypothetical)
Advocates direct democracy via referenda, noting political convenience and potential loss of accountability.
In simple terms: Referenda let people decide directly.
Key Takeaway
Consider citizen votes for major issues.
Themes
democracy
politics
accountability
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
Point of view:1
Politics:1
Referendum:1
Issue Europe:0
People Referendum:0
Referendum Vote:0
Europe Suggested:0
When to use this quote
- public debates
- government reforms
Key Concepts
referendum
public opinion
policy making
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards ensure genuine public choice?
- How does indirect representation compare?
A Different Perspective
Referenda can be manipulated by elites.
![“[The Dalai Lama] told me some years ago, "I've made every concession to China, and I've been as open and tolerant as I could, and still things get worse in Tibet." If you look at it from one point of view, as he himself says, his monastic position of forbearance and nonviolence hasn't reaped any…” quote by Pico Iyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9fe/pico-iyer-1252_benefits_the-dalai-lama-told-me-some-years-ago-i_678.jpg)
