A spokeswoman for the Votes at 16 Coalition said that the decision brings the party in line with a “huge and growing” consensus.
“This is a vital reform that is long overdue,” she said. “With all the responsibilities that society places on 16 and 17 year-olds, and negative public debates surrounding ‘youth’, it is imperative that we increase young people’s stake in society and recognise their fundamental rights as citizens by giving them the right to vote in conjunction with relevant citizenship education in schools.”
The party made the decision following a vote at its National Policy Forum at the weekend.
The National Policy Forum is an annual Labour Party meeting where around 200 party activists discuss policy and propose amendments to Labour’s manifesto.
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