David Benton wrote:Obviously a very divisive subject , and possibly a no win for anybody.It has certainly shown up the problem with 50 % referendums, if it just passes , you've still got nearly 50 % of the population unhappy with the decision.
I think you've put your finger on it there, David. Referenda on major constitutional issues should always have a "super majority", usually 2/3 of the vote, and probably a quroum as well, ie a certain percentage of eligible voters need to vote for it to be legitimate. In an entity such as UK made up of four nations, it could also be argued that all, or a majority, of the four nations need to approve the measure. But as George says, the other problem is that "very little material was published about the consequences there would be for leaving", indeed I would say virtually NO material was published. Nobody, including those in favour of leaving, expected that it would happen, so no plans or expectations or negotiating strategies were in place for it.