Voting age to be lowered to 16 in UK by next general election
Guardian2 days
UK Govt to Lower Voting Age to 16 for Next General Election
Above: Polling station in Bermondsey for the General Election in the borough of Southwark in July 2024 in London, U.K. Image copyright: Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty Images
The Spin
Progressive narrative
At 16, you can work, pay taxes, join the military, even become a parent — but can't vote in general elections. This inconsistency is unfair. Young people aren't predictably left-wing as critics claim. Those who actively contribute to society deserve a voice in the decisions that shape their future. Democracy functions most effectively when all stakeholders are involved.
Conservative narrative
At 16, teens can't drink, drive, or gamble. Yet Labour wants them deciding complex issues that affect the entire future of British society. Most 16-year-olds live with parents, haven't paid bills, or faced real responsibilities. With political views mirroring social media trends rather than informed analysis, this cheap play is a damaging move for civil society.