Hull MP backs Hull Votes at 16 campaigners

Hull North MP Diana Johnson today met with Hull campaigners who were attending a lobby of Parliament in favour of votes at 16 to show support for their campaign.

Labour Leader Ed Miliband has said that the next Labour Government will legislate to ensure that youngsters aged 16 and 17 will be able to vote at General and Local Elections.

At the last General Election, only 44% of those aged 18-24 voted. By offering votes to people aged 16, Labour aims to create a generation of politically active citizens, through empowering youngsters with the vote, coupled with strengthened citizenship education. Over time, voting will become a rite of passage in our education system.

In Scotland, 16 and 17 year olds have secured the right to vote in the 2014 independence referendum. In 2012, the Welsh Assembly voted supporting lowering the voting age to 16. Labour will ensure 16 and 17 year olds are able to have their say in elections in England and Wales after 2015.

Diana Johnson MP said: "I've supported Votes at 16 since first becoming an MP in 2005 and I'm pleased that it's become a firm Labour commitment.

"I believe that we should encourage healthy, positive habits in young people by giving them an earlier opportunity to start, such as by voting at 16. At this age young people pay tax and can join the army, but they don't currently get to have a say in the setting of taxation or what our defence policy is.

"Labour will open up our democracy to a new generation. This is an important way to ensure that our youngsters have a better sense of their civic duties and to ensure that politicians in Westminster and the Guildhall hear from young people about their concerns."