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Hello, I'm Susan Hume and this is the yesterday in Parliament podcast.

On Thursday, the 17th of July, plans to give 16 and 17-year-olds a vote in general elections,

got a mixed reception in the Commons.

16 and 17-year-olds can't yet vote in UK general elections,

but they can in some elections in Scotland and Wales.

So some MPs like Labour's Chris Kane have experienced both systems.

In Scotland where we've got votes for 16 and 17-year-olds

and councillor in Scottish Parliament elections,

some of the most engaging, respectful and searching questions

that I've had have come from 16 and 17-year-olds, whereas in general elections, often when

you've got a 16- or 17-year-old, the response is, I'll go see if my mum and dad's in, or the occasional

my dad's told me to tell you he's not in. So given the eagerness of youngsters to engage

politically, instead of hiding in the loo, he thought

it was quite right that they should get to vote in Westminster elections too. The voting age was

lowered from 21 to 18 in 1969. Speaking for the Conservatives, Paul Holmes thought lowering

it further made no sense. Why does this government think a 16-year-old can vote, but not be allowed to buy a lottery

ticket, an alcoholic drink, marry or go to war, or even stand in the elections they're

voting in? Isn't the government's position on the age of majority just hopelessly confused?

The Minister Roshanara Ali said Labour had won a landslide victory on a

manifesto which promised votes for 16-year-olds. The truth is, young people deserve to have a stake

and to have a say in the future of our democracy, young people can vote for any party they like.

...