Lowering the voting age
Kids as young as 16 could soon have a say in UK elections if the Labour Party comes into power. Sir Keir Starmer has committed to lowering the voting age from 18 in order to empower young people and increase their engagement in the democratic process. This move could potentially benefit Labour, as they tend to poll better among younger voters.
Following Scotland and Wales
Scotland and Wales are already ahead of the game when it comes to allowing 16 and 17-year-olds to vote in their elections. With Labour's plans, it would mean an additional 1.4 million young people would have the opportunity to participate in UK elections.
EU migrants excluded
While the voting age is set to be lowered, plans to give EU migrants a say in elections have been abandoned. Previously, Sir Keir Starmer had considered enfranchising the 3.4 million EU nationals living in the UK, granting them full voting rights. However, this idea was left out from the National Policy Forum and sources have confirmed that the policy has been ditched.
Criticism for dropping promises
Sir Keir Starmer has faced criticism in the past for not following through on promises he made during his bid for party leadership. This includes dropping his support for free movement and scrapping tuition fees. In May, he expressed his belief that it was unfair for EU citizens living in the UK to be unable to vote in general elections, but it seems this stance has changed.
At the time, the Conservative Party accused Sir Keir Starmer of attempting to manipulate the electorate.
