Too many young people in Croydon are turning their backs on politics, which is bad for Croydon and bad for them too.
That is why the Labour Party has set out a timetable to change the law so that 16 and 17-year-olds can take part in elections from May 2016.
If elected next year, a Labour Government would introduce legislation in the first session of the next Parliament to give the vote to 1.5m young people in time for elections the following year.
This news comes in the wake of alarming new evidence that the Government’s reforms of the electoral roll has seen sharp falls in the number of young people registered – especially among first-time voters, students and those moving out of family homes.
Britain will only succeed as a country if we give our young people the chance to fulfil their potential and play their part.
It is a shame Gavin Barwell does not trust his younger constituents with the vote.
SARAH JONES
Parliamentary candidate for Croydon Central
- Send your letters to: letters@croydonguardian.co.uk
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