How much influence do voters have in the UK?
As we move towards the next general election, many people in the UK are starting to wonder about the role of UK voters and what influence they actually have over the political parties and government of the day. The last 18 months has seen a significant decline in the UK economy, billions of pounds of taxpayer's money poured into the financial system, a refusal to hold a referendum on Europe, increased taxes and concerns that political parties are very much looking after their own interests.
Despite a number of attempts by various groups across the UK to force a general election in light of the recession and the MP's expenses scandal, the government of the day has refused to budge on the subject. If UK voters are not able to express their opinions, what can they do to relay their feelings and fears to Parliament?
The truth is general elections, local council elections and the European elections are the only times when UK voters have a voice. These are the times when political parties will say what you want to hear and often act very differently once they have gained power. Even though there is a growing trend towards more voter power, politicians pay lip service to this particular demand while doing very little behind-the-scenes.
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