Speaking at the London School of Economics, Kennedy - who has already stated his support for the Votes at 16 campaign - said that citizenship lessons at school were being undermined by keeping the voting age at 18.
He also criticised Labour's "respect" agenda, describing it as too narrow in vision and showing a lack of trust in young people. He said: "At 16, this Labour Government is quite happy to take your taxes, to let you raise a family, to let you join the army - but not to let you vote. What about the right to vote going with those responsibilities? I say that, by 16, people are ready to vote, ready to make their personal choice and ready to take part in choosing who governs them."
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