The SNP has welcomed a long-awaited decision by the UK government to lower the voting age to 16, calling it “well overdue” and a clear sign that Westminster is finally catching up with Scotland.
The announcement comes ahead of a new Elections Bill, which will allow 16 and 17-year-olds to vote in UK general elections for the first time, a full decade after the SNP introduced the same right in Scotland.
Since the Scottish Elections (Reduction of Voting Age) Act came into force in 2015, thousands of young people have already taken part in Scottish Parliament and local council elections.
Pete Wishart MP, Deputy Leader of the SNP at Westminster, said the change was a direct result of pressure from the SNP and long-running campaigns by party members, activists and young people.
“We welcome this long-overdue change to the UK voting age,” he said.
“It’s been more than ten years since Scotland led the way, and it’s encouraging to see Westminster finally following our example.”
Wishart added that allowing 16 and 17-year-olds to vote in all elections strengthens democracy and gives a voice to a generation already engaged with the key challenges of today.
“Young voters in Scotland have shown they are more than ready,” he said.
“They care deeply about the climate crisis, about tackling poverty, and about building a fairer, more forward-looking society.”
He pointed to strong youth support for SNP policies such as free university tuition, free bus travel for under-22s, and Scotland’s push for independence and EU membership.
“Whether they back the SNP or not, the important thing is that 16 and 17-year-olds will finally have their say at the next UK election,” he said.
“That’s something we can all celebrate.”
