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MPs consider voting age reduction

A Bill to lower the voting age to 16 will be debated in Parliament today (Friday 6 June)

The private members Bill has been brought forward by a cross-party group of MP's led by Labour MP Julie Morgan, and today will be its second reading.


Morgan said: "It's time for young people to be listened to more seriously. If they could vote this would certainly happen much more."


Conservative MP John Bercow and Liberal Democrat Jo Swinson are also backing the Voting Age (Reduction) Bill.


Swinson said: "16 and 17-year-olds can pay taxes, join the Army and get married, so denying them a vote is simply inconsistent."


The Bill has the support of the Votes at 16 Coalition, which has described it as a "clarion call the government cannot ignore".

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