PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
EU REFERENDUM VOTING AGE (26 May 2015)

That this House believes that 16 and 17 year olds should be allowed to vote in any upcoming referendum on the UK’s relationship with Europe; recognises that teenagers have a clear interest in whether or not we stay in the EU and that the future of the EU is vital to young people’s job prospects, livelihood and travel plans and that their voices must be heard; further notes the evidence that young people are more likely to vote and participate in democracy if they do so from an early age; further believes that the side of history lies with those who widen the electoral franchise rather than restrict it; and therefore calls on the Government to build on the precedent of the 2014 Scottish referendum and commit to 16 and 17 year olds being allowed to vote in any future referendum on Europe.

Sponsored by:
Tulip Siddiq (Labour)