50 years after votes at 18, we’re ready for votes at 16
On the 50th anniversary of the Representation of the People Act receiving Royal Assent, The British Youth Council, UK Youth Parliament and Votes at 16 Coalition call on the Government to lower the voting age to 16 in all elections and referenda taking place in the UK. The renewed calls comes following repeated attempts to
- Published in News, Press, Votes at 16
UK Youth Parliament launch ‘Action Against Knife Crime’
UK Youth Parliament have launched their campaign, ‘Action Against Knife Crime’, which calls for a significant reduction in knife crime across the UK. 1.1 million young people declared knife crime a top concern in the UK Youth Parliament’s Make Your Mark ballot. The organisation will also reignite its long-standing campaign for a lower voting age
British Youth Council support renewed attempt to introduce lower voting age
The British Youth Council and Votes at 16 Coalition have joined forces with the FairVote Campaign to support the renewed attempt to introduce a lowering vote age. The latest attempt to introduce voting for 16 and 17 year olds has been spearheaded by Peter Kyle MP who is championing the Representation of the People Bill.
- Published in APPG on Votes at 16, News, Press, Votes at 16
A disappointing day for democracy
Today’s debate in the House of Commons on Votes at 16 was a disappointment for young people across the UK. The debate was preceded by a fantastic bill from Steve Reed MP on the use of restraint in mental health facilities. It was fantastic to hear such a great discussion on mental health, and particularly
- Published in Blogs, Votes at 16
No room for young people in the Queen’s Speech
Today we heard the Government’s legislative plan via the Queen’s Speech. There was some good news, some expected news, and a huge missed opportunity. The British Youth Council campaigned on six key issues in the run up to the General Election. These are the issues that young people have told us are important to them
- Published in Blogs, Series: General Election, Votes at 16
If young people cared they would vote
I hear this so often from people, in regards to what many view as young people’s political disengagement. Not only is this stance is overly-simplistic and lacking in nuance, it’s fatalistic. It takes no accountability for encouraging further political engagement via traditional, more visible and measurable channels. If this argument were the case one would
- Published in Blogs, Series: General Election, Votes at 16
It’s about time our democracy gives a voice to the voiceless
If you were to google ‘millennials are’, the words that come after are not inspiring; ‘lazy’, ‘stupid’ or ‘screwed’. This isn’t by chance, it’s part of a wider narrative. My generation – those who are currently under 25 – are constantly undervalued and undermined. We’re seen as selfish and entitled, bone-idle and boorish. Nothing could
- Published in Blogs, Series: General Election, Votes at 16
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