A longstanding supporter of votes at 16, Daniel first tabled a proposal to the Labour Party’s National Policy Forum in 2000 and later brought forward an amendment at that year’s Labour Party Conference. He said today’s announcement was “a major step forward for democracy and long overdue recognition of the role young people play in shaping our future.”
The change is part of a wider Elections Bill that also proposes expanding accepted voter ID to include UK-issued bank cards, moving towards automatic voter registration, and strengthening rules to prevent foreign interference in political donations.
Daniel said: “Young people already contribute to our society – they can work, pay taxes and serve in the armed forces. It’s only right that they should also have a say in who governs them. I’ve campaigned for this for over two decades, and I’m proud to see it finally happening.”
He added: “When I visit Cambridge schools and colleges, I’m always struck by the level of political engagement from this age group. It’s so important to make it as easy as possible for young people to take part in our democracy.”
