Why have referendums been used more frequently in the UK since 1997?

Answer 1

In the UK, there had been virtually no referendums held before 1975 and the referendum on the British membership into the EC. Since then, with the increased popularity of the internet, and the increased access of independent information in the media, people feel they have become better informed about politics. They now feel like they should be consulted in matters that effect everyone (although, you must remember whilst considering this that there is an increasingly lower turnout at elections).

There has also been a great deal of constitutional change in Britain since 1997, due to nationalism and Labour's promise to devolve Scotland and Wales.

There has also been a lot of promises from MPs to the public to make referendums in the future, which only furthers the increase and the people's expectance and dependance on the use of referendums.