[joeysteele]

Originally Posted by Jack_

When you have such a misrepresentative and persuasive media, especially on certain issues, like we have in the UK then trusting the electorate with a referendum on a very important issue is not an risk worth taking, IMO. Of course I agree that people should be able to choose for themselves, and in fact I've always thought more referendums would only make politics more democratic and would engage those who feel disenfranchised - but it's an unfortunate truth, there are a lot of people in this country whose opinions are formed through the Mail, Express, The Sun and Murdoch's empire, and I don't want a decision on whether we should stay or leave the EU to be dictated by a biased and misleading press. That isn't good for the electorate at all. Maybe one day we'll be able to have an open and fair debate where all sides, pros and cons are presented - but that doesn't look possible any time soon. It's a media problem, not a political one.Thank you, I had a great day!

That is a great post Jack and all the valid reasons for not having a referendum in the next few years too,well said.

Whenever a referendum is held,if one ever is, then it should be held on the same day as a general election to get the biggest turnout possible rather than outside of a general election.

However, I say there will be no referendum in the next parliament unless,(and this is one of the biggest ever 'ifs' in politics in my view),the Conservatives got at least an 80+ overall majority.

Although were that awful scenario to happen, all powers that be will be needed to help the weak, poor, sick,disabled and most vulnerable with this really nasty, heartless bunch of Ministers there are at present in Govt.

Thankfully it won't happen,I am sure of that.