Old Bailey event sees young people debate pros and cons of votes at 16

Description

Is the country ready to lower the voting age to 16 for all UK elections? This was the question that was debated at a unique event held recently at the Old Bailey.

Andy Mycock commented that the Scottish independence referendum had had a "remarkable effect" on youth engagement in politics, but cautioned that turnout of 16- and 17-year-olds was still 10 per cent below the overall turnout, and that there had been "no sizeable increase" in Scottish elections turnout. 

The main thrust of the "no" camp's argument was that while votes at 16 were "inevitable", there needs to be good quality political education for all pupils first.

While accepting that 18 is "not a magical age" Andy agreed that "political education should be part of the socialisation of all young people".

Subject