The Conflict Between Political Party Advantage And The National Interest

The conservative government in the UK wants to have a referendum on the UK's membership in European Union in five years.  During that period there will increased uncertainty in the business community.  That will be bad for the struggling UK economy.  On the other hand, it may be good for the Conservative Party because there is growing anti-immigration sentiment in the UK, as well as growing opposition for membership in the European Union.  This is an apparent flaw in democracy.  Winning elections may trump the national interest.  We have been witnessing a similar phenomenon in the US.