Almost a week after the United Kingdom found out it was to leave the EU, a petition calling for a second referendum began circulating on social media. With many remain supporters angry at the result, a petition was established to try and overturn the outcome by holding the referendum once more, although seemingly a far fetched hope, many are still persisting and with even Jeremy Hunt coming out in support of it, what does this mean?
The petition reached over 3 million signatures, and remain voters are used this as evidence of the countries outrage at the decision to leave. There is no doubt that after the recent reel of political news, a second referendum is not off the table, however, if it were to happen it really could mark the end of British government as we know it. The choice to repeat the referendum, would be the government abandoning its democratic beliefs and taking a step towards authoritarian, dictatorship style government, regardless of the small voting margins.
When it comes to whether or not a second referendum would change the result, I strongly believe it would. Although only 36% of young people voted, the majority of them supported the remain campaign. If this demographic alone voted in the hypothetical second referendum, it would be the small majority needed to see the vote swing. On top of that, some individuals who voted to leave are now regretting the decision and have admitted that if they had their time again they would vote to remain, primarily because of the unexpected uncertainty that has hit the UK and the divide it has caused the country.
With increasing pressures on the government as a result of vote leave, including a new Tory government after David Cameron’s resignation, pressure from the EU to accelerate the countries exit and a Labour Party in turmoil, there is no wonder some leave voters are regretting their decision. However, a second referendum is not the answer, unless we are aiming for not only an unsettled government, but one that is seen as weak for giving into public pressure. Regardless of what we all voted, or didn’t, all that is left to do now is get behind the decision and make the best of what we have.
Image: Jeff Djevdet via Flickr
What do you think? Have your saying the comments below.
