Since 1973 there has only been one referendum applying to the whole of the UK - that is in 1975 on the question, "Do you think that the UK should stay in the European Community (Common Market)?" This was carried by 67% to 33% There have been others on the governance of part of the UK.

In relation to the 1975 referendum, the government of the day regarded it as morally binding, but not legally so. In each of the other referenda, the government acted in accordance with the result of the vote. So far so good.

However governments have only held referenda when it has been politically convenient to do so. They have avoided holding any further referenda on Europe, because they fear the people would give them the 'wrong' answer. Unlike in many other countries there is no mechanism to force the government to hold a referendum.