VOTES FOR 16 AND 17 YEAR OLDS

Early day motion 109, tabled 10 June 2015 by Douglas Chapman (Scottish National Party). Signed by 63 members.

That this House welcomes the study by the University of Edinburgh which states that 67 per cent of people aged 16 and 17 years old would participate in an election if given the chance to do so; notes that this compares favourably with figures released in the same study which suggested that the expected participation level would be 39 per cent in England, Wales and Northern Ireland; and further recognises that through the independence referendum young people in Scotland have experienced a level of civic engagement and debate which should be encouraged by ensuring that in all future elections and referenda the franchise should be extended to all 16 and 17 year olds throughout the UK.

Signatures by party: Scottish National Party 38, Labour 19, Plaid Cymru 2, Conservative 1, Liberal Democrat 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1, UUP 1.