Votes for 16 Year Olds & Abbott Suspended

<p>Today, the voting age at the next general election will be lowered across the UK to 16 for the first time.</p><p>Labour's election manifesto last year pledged to lower the voting age to 16 - in line with Scottish and Welsh elections. The Prime Minister has said 16 and 17-year-olds are "old enough to go out to work, they are old enough to pay taxes". The policy has been criticised by the Conservatives and Reform. Adam and Chris are joined by Professor Jane Green - Director of Nuffield Politics Research Centre and President of the British Polling Council.</p><p>And, MP Diane Abbott has been suspended by the Labour Party pending an investigation into comments she made about racism, the BBC understands. Labour said it would not be commenting "while this investigation is ongoing".</p><p>You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast". It works on most smart speakers.

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Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by Adam Fleming. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Anna Harris and Shiler Mahmoudi. The social producers were Joe Wilkinson and Jada Meosa John. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham</p>