Starmer Supports Giving Voting Rights to 16 and 17-Year-Olds
The party leader emphasized that individuals who pay taxes should be able to participate in decision-making regarding how their money is utilized when questioned about the commitment on Saturday.
Sir Keir Starmer stated that individuals who are of working age should have the right to vote, and he confirmed that a Labour government would aim to extend voting rights to 16 and 17-year-olds.
He reiterated that anyone contributing taxes should have a voice in the allocation of funds during his response to queries on the issue.
During his visit to Staffordshire, Sir Keir was asked if Labour would consider reducing the voting age, to which he replied: “Yes, I support the inclusion of both 16 and 17-year-olds in the voting process. If you are capable of working, paying taxes, and serving in the armed forces, you should have the right to vote.”
Reports from the Times suggest that a change in the voting age would likely be included in the King’s Speech if Labour emerges victorious on July 4, though the timeline for implementation remains uncertain.
Sir Keir continued his campaign at the Stafford Rangers stadium on Marston Road, emphasizing Labour’s commitment to providing “economic stability” amidst ongoing high living costs.
This visit to the football club marks the second appearance at a lower league club for the dedicated Arsenal supporter, following his initial campaign kick-off at Gillingham FC earlier in the week.
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On the other hand, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spent his morning meeting with local veterans for breakfast in his North Yorkshire constituency, where he humorously addressed the rain-soaked Downing Street announcement where he declared the July 4 election.
Jokingly, the Prime Minister remarked: “I thought, ‘come rain or shine, it’s the right thing to do’.
“But no pneumonia yet, my suit on the other hand … I’m not quite sure what state it will be in when I get back down to London.”
