Voting Age

Justin Tomlinson Excerpts

Thursday 24th January 2013 Commons Chamber

[Stephen Williams]

I entirely agree with the hon. Gentleman, who leads me neatly on to my next point.

Although I have not worked in the further education sector, as an MP, and as a candidate and a county councillor before that, I have about two decades of experience of speaking to sixth-formers and those at further education colleges, and I have always been impressed by the depth and range of their knowledge both about matters that are purely about Bristol and about those that have global implications.

[Justin Tomlinson (North Swindon) (Con)]

When I visit further education establishments, people are intrigued and impressed by the idea of being able to vote, yet somehow when they leave further education they do not take advantage of that. We need to tap into their enthusiasm while it is there and get them into the habit of voting.

[Stephen Williams]

As I said, there is widespread support for the change in all parties, and there we have another revelation from a Conservative coalition colleague that there is growing support for it.