Representation of the People (Young People’s Enfranchisement) Bill

Alex Chalk Excerpts

2nd reading: House of Commons
Friday 11th May 2018 Commons Chamber

[Peter Kyle]

I certainly agree. When I held a question and answer session with young people at Brighton Hove and Sussex sixth-form college recently, their questions were erudite, thoughtful and passionate, and rarely concerned their own lived experience in an educational establishment but addressed the big issues facing their community, our country and our planet.

[Alex Chalk (Cheltenham) (Con)]

Does the hon. Gentleman think that the legal age for drinking should be reduced to 16?

--- Later in debate ---

[Luke Graham]

I thank the hon. Lady for her contribution. Voting is an incredibly positive engagement, although I have to say that I have derived some pleasure from drinking in the past.

[Alex Chalk]

On the important issue of civic engagement, does my hon. Friend think that 16-year-olds should be able to sit in judgment on their fellow citizens on a jury?

[Luke Graham]

That is a very good point, and it is one that we should certainly review.

[Alex Chalk]

Yes or no?

[Luke Graham]

If we are allowing 16-year-olds to vote and be part of the political process, yes, they should be part of the judicial process as well.

We have talked a lot about consistency today, and I want to turn to whether there is a difference between allowing 16-year-olds to vote and allowing them to drink, to smoke or to use sunbeds, which is a question that has been raised in Wales. The only thing that is consistent about the age-related laws in this country is their inconsistency. In pretty much every aspect of our age-related laws, we choose different levels at which to give people access. For a long time, people could vote at 18 but they could become an MP only at 21. That was changed in 2006. I see no reason why we should not have differentiated laws, allowing people to vote at 16 and run for office at 18. That is entirely consistent with saying that we want civic engagement. People would be allowed to vote before taking the next step of having the responsibility of representing 75,000-plus people.