Lowering UK voting age is welcome, but must not be a token gesture
In response to confirmation that the voting age will be lowered to 16 in the UK by the next general election, Kathleen Spencer Chapman, Director of Influencing & External Affairs at Plan International UK, says:
"We welcome the news that 16 and 17 year olds will be able to vote in all elections in the UK, which sends a strong signal that young people’s voices matter. But this must not be a token gesture. We also need to see improved political education in schools and communities to help girls and young women learn how to participate in and influence change.
"Girls and young women told us that they don't feel politicians are listening to what they have to say; only 25% of 12 to 21 year olds we surveyed feel involved in decisions about politics and the way the country is run.
"It's time for politicians to demonstrate that they’re listening to the opinions of girls and young women and prioritising the changes they want to see."
Plan International UK Press Office
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