5 Summary

During this week you have been introduced to some of the complex voting patterns that were apparent in the 2016 referendum. And you have also been introduced to some of the ways of interpreting the data emerging from the referendum.

You should now be able to:

• identify the shares of the vote in different parts of the UK – within as well as between the regions of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales
• understand the value of mapping patterns of difference and similarity, and how cartograms may be used to highlight particular issues
• think about how patterns of voting may also be associated with evidence of inequality and uneven development.

Next week the focus will be on the political geography of the UK and its uneven economic development. The relationship between the two helps to explain some of the divisions apparent in the referendum vote, and is also an important aspect of arguments for devolution.