While I deeply value the voices of our citizens, governing by referendum with laws based on signature gathering risks oversimplifying complex issues. It can bypass the comprehensive debate and analysis that parliament is designed to provide.

I believe in the power of direct democracy. If enough citizens feel strongly about a law and collect enough signatures, having a referendum is a way to ensure that the government respects the will of the people.

As a steadfast advocate for democracy, I believe it's imperative to empower citizens directly. When a significant number of individuals unite behind a cause, signifying a clear demand for legislative change, validating the call through a referendum is an essential step in the democratic process. This not only honours the citizens' voice but also reinforces the strength and legitimacy of our democracy.

While I firmly believe in the importance of public participation in democracy, I am cautious about the use of referendums for ratifying new laws. Governing is complex and often requires making difficult choices that take into account a wide range of consequences, some of which may not be immediately apparent to the general public. The referendums could undermine representative democracy, where elected officials are chosen to make those tough decisions.

While direct democracy through referendums can bring people into the political process, I believe they should not replace representative democracy. The complexity of modern law-making often requires a level of expertise and continual debate that a single referendum might not provide.

While the democratic process is at the heart of our system, allowing new laws to be ratified by referendum for every significant petition could disrupt legislative continuity and governance. This process might undermine the responsibility of elected representatives by making them less accountable for decisions. We should use referendums sparingly and preserve parliamentary sovereignty to ensure stable, considered law-making.