§ Lord Windleshamasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many national or regional referendums have been held since 1990; on what issues; and with what outcomes. [HL1103]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs, (Baroness Ashton of Upholland)There have been five national or regional referendums held since 1990. These were:
The north-east of England, 4 November 2004, on whether the north-east should have an elected regional assembly. Electors in two-tier areas (County Durham and Northumberland) were also asked a second question about their preferred option for local government reorganisation in the event that an assembly was established. The result was 22.0 per cent in favour and 77.9 per cent against on a turnout of 47.7 per cent;
Northern Ireland, 22 May 1998, on ratifying the Good Friday agreement. The result was 71.7 per cent in favour and 28.0 per cent against on a turnout of 81.0 per cent.
London-wide, 7 May 1998, on whether there should be an elected Mayor and separately elected Assembly. The result was 72.0 per cent in favour and 28.0 per cent against on a turnout of 34.1 per cent.
In Wales, 18 September 1997, on the establishment of a Welsh Assembly. The result was 50.3 per cent in favour and 49.7 per cent against on a turnout of 50.1 per cent; and
In Scotland, 11 September 1997, on whether to establish a Scottish Parliament, and whether it should have tax-raising powers. The results were: on establishing a Scottish Parliament 74.3 per cent in favour and 25.7 per cent against; and on whether it should have tax-raising powers 63.5 per cent in favour and 36.5 per cent against, on a turnout of 60.4 per cent.