Labour MPs call on Government
to lower voting age to 16
Tomorrow, Friday 3 November, Labour MPs will be supporting Jim
McMahon MP’s Private Member’s Bill to reduce the voting age to 16. This reform would
enfranchise 1.5 million people, enabling them to
participate in politics and have a say in the decisions that affect their lives
and futures.
Votes at 16 has cross-party support, from the SNP, Plaid Cymru, the Liberal Democrats, the Green Party, and some senior
Conservative politicians.
The Bill
would also introduce a requirement on Returning Officers to ensure steps are
taken to register new voters and ensure schools teach pupils
about democracy and citizenship.
Jim
McMahon, MP for Oldham West and Royton, said:
“The fact there is cross-party
support to lower the voting age shows that the political appetite for change is
there. It has been discussed in the past, but now the time has come to make it
a reality.
“This is the right
thing to do to strengthen our democracy, and I will be working tirelessly
with other MPs and young people to make sure we take this historic step
forward.”
Cat Smith MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Voter Engagement and
Youth Affairs said:
“It is ridiculous that 16 year olds living in Scotland can vote in
local elections, but are denied the right to vote in UK General Elections. With
the Welsh Labour Government also looking to extend the franchise to young
people, the UK Government must act now.
“It is vital that politicians listen to the voices of young people.
That is why Labour is supporting Jim McMahon’s campaign to extend the franchise
to 16 and 17 year olds.”
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