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Why is the UK government allowing 16 and 17 year olds to vote in the next election? | BBC Newscast
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July 17, 2025
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32:31Now PlayingThe voting age at the next general election will be lowered across the UK to 16 for the first time.
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 party. Adam and Chris are joined by Professor Jane Green - Director of Nuffield Politics Research Centre and President of the British Polling Council.
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".
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