Jo seeks Parliamentary backing for votes at 16

3.30.00pm GMT Thu 25th Jan 2007

Jo Swinson has today sought to secure a free vote in Parliament on lowering the voting age to 16.

Jo has submitted an Early Day Motion calling for a lowering of the minimum voting age from 18 to 16, and pressing the UK Government to allow a free vote on the issue in the House of Commons.

Jo commented:

"The time is right to lower the voting age to 16. Having met many 16 and 17-year-olds in schools and elsewhere around East Dunbartonshire, I can say they are certainly responsible and capable enough to be trusted with the right to vote.

"Proposals to lower the minimum voting age enjoy a broad body of support across the House of Commons. Putting the issue to a free vote would test the resolve of those who seek to retain the status quo against a growing appetite for change."

Full text of Early Day Motion 'Votes at 16':

That this House believes that the time is right to lower the voting age to 16; recognises that at 16 and 17 people's lives are as rich and varied as at any other age, that 16 and 17 year olds have considerable responsibilities that routinely involve making complex decisions and that are unrecognised in their current democratic rights, and calls on the UK Government to allow a free vote on giving people over the age of 16 the right to vote as soon as possible.

Related Link:

Votes at 16