UK

Keir Starmer still committed to votes at 16 despite leaving policy out of King's Speech

The PM said he stood by Labour's manifesto pledge to reduce the voting age in all elections - adding over a million people to the electorate

The PM said Labour were still committed to the policy 

By Ashley Cowburn

Political Correspondent

THE MIRROR

14 Sep 2024

Keir Starmer has said he's still committed to introducing votes for 16 and 17-year-olds - despite the plans being missing from the King's Speech.

The PM said he stood by Labour's manifesto pledge to reduce the voting age in all elections - adding over a million people to the electorate.

But Mr Starmer argued at the time: "If you can work, if you can pay tax, if you can serve in your armed forces, then you ought to be able to vote."

Under existing laws the voting age at general elections is 18 - but different rules apply for local and devolved elections.

In both Scotland and Wales, 16 and 17-year-olds are able to cast a ballot in both local and devolved and local elections. In England and in Northern Ireland the age remains at 18.