The Labour Party’s National Policy Forum has recommended Votes at 16 be included in the next Labour manifesto.  The overwhelming victory was achieved as a result of the hard work of all the youth representatives on the forum, who spent the weekend winning the argument about votes at 16. The amendment passed by a large majority.
 
Olivia Bailey, Vice Chair of Young Labour and proposer of the amendment said about the vote:

"As a former Member of the UK Youth Parliament I was proud to champion the Votes at 16 motion. Young Labour has listened to the excellent campaigns organised by the British Youth Council, UK Youth Parliament and other youth organisations - Young Labour was keen to spearhead this within the Labour Party."

Young Labour is campaigning to make sure the promise is included in the next manifesto.

Stephanie Peacock, NEC Youth Rep said:

"Young Labour has been listening to young people and their youth organisations. We await conference’s final say so, but we want Votes at 16 to be in our manifesto. Young Labour delegates should be proud of their success."

16 year olds can get married and join the army. They pay adult fares on transport and they pay taxes, yet they cannot vote. Lowering the voting age to 16 would give young people more of a voice and a stake in their communities. Young people deserve the chance to cast their vote in support of Labour’s proud record of investment in youth services, schools and in tackling youth unemployment.

Support our campaign to convince Labour Party Annual Conference to complete the manifesto with votes at 16 intact on labourspace.com - support the campaign now.