MPs block votes at 16 in EU referendum due to cost

On Tuesday, MPs voted by 303 votes to 253 against a House of Lords' amendment to the EU Referendum Bill that would have lowered the voting age for the EU membership referendum because of the cost involved.

The amendment, which was defeated on the basis that it would incur a "charge on public funds", was put forward by the Lords last month after it received heavy support from Labour and Liberal Democrat peers.

Speaking in parliament before the vote took place, minister for constitutional reform, John Penrose, said: "The government are not at all sure that it is right to lower the voting age, and even if it were, this is not the right way to do so.

"The voting age for UK parliamentary elections is set at 18, as it is in most other democracies in Europe and around the world. The age of majority is a complex issue."

A date is yet to be set for the EU in-out vote but Prime Minister David Cameron has promised a vote before 2018.

Commenting on the decision, Hilary Benn, Labour’s shadow foreign secretary, said it is "wrong-headed and unfair" for the government to deny young people a say in the referendum. ?

"Labour understands that this is about their future too and the rights they currently enjoy to live, work and study anywhere in the EU will be affected by the result," he said.

Young people, youth groups, and MPs took to social media to express their views, with the Votes at 16 Campaign and Electoral Reform Society also tweeting their disappointment.

"Sad to hear MPs have blocked votes at 16," the Electoral Reform Society said. "But the case for widening the franchise is stronger than ever. It's when, not if."

??The British Youth Council also tweeted: “We’re extremely disappointed to hear MPs have voted against the amendment to include 16- and 17-year-olds in the EU referendum.”?

In Scotland, 16- and 17-year-olds can vote in Scottish parliament and local elections after a change in the law in June.