David Cameron open on under-18s being able to vote

THE Prime Minister has said he would welcome a chance for MPs to decide on giving 16 and 17-year-olds the vote in Westminster elections following plans to allow it for the Scottish Parliament.
By DAVID MADDOX
Published 7th Jan 2015, 18:38 BST
Though Cameron did say he preferred 18 as the age limit. Picture: Neil HannaThough Cameron did say he preferred 18 as the age limit. Picture: Neil Hanna
Though Cameron did say he preferred 18 as the age limit. Picture: Neil Hanna

David Cameron made his suggestion during Prime Minister’s questions when pressed on the issue by Glasgow North West MP John Robertson but said he believes the vote should not be extended to people younger than 18.

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Mr Cameron said: “The referendum campaign in Scotland did switch a whole lot of people on to politics and political issues, because the question being asked was so important.

“We have said that we should respect the views of the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh Parliament, and we will devolve powers on voting age.

“In this House, I am very happy for us to have a vote.

“Personally, I think the right age is 18, but I am very happy to listen to the debate, to listen to the arguments and to put them forward.”

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Related topics:David CameronPrime MinisterMPsJohn RobertsonScottish ParliamentScotlandScotsman