We always welcome a Letter to the Editor to share with our readers – unsurprisingly they don’t always reflect the views of this publication. If you have something you’d like to share, get in touch and of course, your considered comments are welcome below. This from Catherine Bearder MEP for the South East. Ed
Turning sixteen is a huge milestone. You can work full-time, pay taxes, get married or join the army. But there is one thing you can’t do: vote.
In last year’s Scottish Referendum 16-17-year-olds were given the right to vote for the first time, and three quarters of them did. Almost all of them they would vote again in future. This shows that when young people are given the opportunity to become politically engaged, they do just that.
Right to vote
Before the end of 2017 there will be another referendum, this time on whether the UK should remain part of the EU. I believe the 3,500 16 -17 year olds living on the Isle of Wight should be entitled to vote on this momentous decision over their future.
These young people have the most to lose from EU exit. It would be wrong to deny those already old enough to work and pay taxes from having their say.
Battle isn’t over
This week the Conservative Government was able to defeat an attempt to lower the voting age, despite 265 MPs voting for it. But the battle for votes at 16 isn’t over yet. There will be more opportunities to change the voting age and ensure young people get their say.
Liberal Democrats have campaigned for votes at 16 for years, and we will keep fighting to make it happen.
Image: kodakviews under CC BY 2.0
