Oral Answers to Questions

Mike Amesbury Excerpts

Thursday 27th February 2020 Commons Chamber

[Beth Winter (Cynon Valley) (Lab)]

15. If he will bring forward legislative proposals to lower the voting age to 16.

[Mike Amesbury (Weaver Vale) (Lab)]

19. If he will bring forward legislative proposals to lower the voting age to 16.

[The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office (Michael Gove)]

No.

[Michael Gove]

I am very grateful to the hon. Lady for making that point, but I am afraid it is a no.

[Mike Amesbury]

If it is good enough for the Welsh and the Scottish, why on earth are 16 and 17-year-olds in England and, indeed, Northern Ireland not entitled to the vote? It is a question of equality. If someone can go to war for their country and pay their taxes for the country, we should extend the franchise to them. From Peterloo to the extension of the franchise to women through the women’s suffrage movement, the north-west has a proud history of extending the franchise. Come on: do the right thing for the English, Minister, and give 16 and 17-year-olds the right to vote and, indeed, those in Northern Ireland as well.