UK plans to lower voting age to 16 in landmark electoral reform
The government said the proposed changes, which are subject to parliament approvals, would align voting rights across the UK with Scotland and Wales, where younger voters already participate in devolved elections.
'We are taking action to break down barriers to participation that will ensure more people have the opportunity to engage in UK democracy,' Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said in a statement.
Turnout at the 2024 general election was 59.7%, the lowest at a general election since 2001, according to a parliamentary report.
According to the House of Commons library, research from countries that have lowered the voting age to 16 shows it has had no impact on election outcomes, and that 16-year-olds were more likely to vote than those first eligible at 18.
Labour, whose popularity has fallen sharply in government after being elected by a landslide a year ago, had said it would lower the voting age if elected.
The reforms would also expand acceptable voter ID to include UK-issued bank cards and digital formats of existing IDs, such as driving licences and Veteran Cards.
To tackle foreign interference, the government said it also planned to tighten rules on political donations, including checks on contributions over £500 ($670) from unincorporated associations and closing loopholes used by shell companies.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Washington Post
a few seconds ago
- Washington Post
Live updates: White House to brief reporters as uproar over Epstein files upends Washington
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has scheduled a news briefing Wednesday amid the continued controversy over the Trump administration's decision not to release files related to deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The House is expected to adjourn Wednesday, a day earlier than expected, for its five-week recess after Republicans irate over the administration's decision blocked most legislation from reaching the chamber floor for a vote this week. President Donald Trump, who has sought to change the subject, plans Wednesday to deliver a speech on artificial intelligence and unveil three executive orders intended to boost the U.S. tech sector. Silicon Valley's risky bet on President Donald Trump is starting to pay dividends. The White House on Wednesday plans to reveal how it will position the United States to lead a global race to develop artificial intelligence and unveil three executive orders intended to boost the American tech sector, according to two people familiar with the rollout who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss plans that have not been made public. Former president Barack Obama's office issued a rare admonishment Tuesday of the Trump administration's claims that Obama administration officials planned a 'treasonous conspiracy' aimed at the current commander in chief, calling the allegations 'a weak attempt at distraction.' President Donald Trump said Tuesday he has clinched a trade deal with Japan, reducing the tariffs he had planned to impose on goods from a major trading partner as his deadline for negotiations nears. Trump posted on his Truth Social social media site Tuesday evening that he would impose a 15 percent duty on Japanese imports, down from the 25 percent he threatened earlier this month. Federal judges in New Jersey declined Tuesday to appoint Alina Habba, President Donald Trump's pick for U.S. attorney in the state, to continue serving in that role, delivering a resounding rebuke to one of his administration's most polarizing Justice Department appointees and teeing up a showdown over who would lead the office. A panel of the state's U.S. district court judges made the announcement in a brief order that did not offer any explanation for its decision.
CNN
a few seconds ago
- CNN
5 things to know for July 23: Lawmaker security, Gaza, Texas floods, Columbia University, Japan trade deal
In February, President Donald Trump made an aggressive push to reshape the Kennedy Center by firing its leader, naming a longtime confidant as interim executive director, dismissing board members appointed by Democrats and then appointing his own trustees who promptly elected him as chair. Now, House Republicans are trying to name the performing arts center's opera house after first lady Melania Trump. Here's what else you need to know to get up to speed and on with your day. The House of Representatives is increasing funding and resources for lawmakers to provide them with additional security options. The 'pilot program,' which is meant to assist lawmakers returning to their districts for the five-week recess, was created following the deadly attack on Minnesota state lawmakers in June. According to a release from the Committee on House Administration, House members will receive $20,000 to increase the security of their homes. An additional $5,000 per month will be disbursed to each lawmaker to pay for personal security through the end of the year. In 2024, the US Capitol Police investigated more than 9,000 threats against lawmakers, marking an 83% increase from the previous year. During that same period, Trump was targeted in two apparent assassination attempts. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has only worsened since Israel launched its blockade of aid last March, leaving millions of Palestinians facing starvation. Now, a coalition of international organizations says the blockade is also endangering the lives of doctors and aid workers. In a joint statement, more than 100 humanitarian groups called on Israel to restore the full flow of food, clean water and medical supplies to Gaza and agree to a ceasefire. The coalition warned that supplies were 'totally depleted' and that their organizations were 'witnessing their own colleagues and partners waste away before their eyes.' International news agency, Agence France-Presse (AFP), also announced plans to try and evacuate its remaining freelance staff from Gaza because they are starving and too weak to work. 'Without immediate intervention, the last reporters in Gaza will die,' AFP's main journalist union said in a statement. Texas lawmakers will hold a special hearing today to investigate the state's response to the deadly flash floods that hit over the July 4th weekend. At least 135 people were killed in central Texas, including more than 100 in Kerr County, where children's camps and RV parks sat on the banks of the Guadalupe River. The joint select committee's inquiry will include testimony from officials in charge of managing the rivers in the area as well as the head of the Division of Emergency Management and members of the state police. The lawmakers are expected to seek details about flood planning, disaster preparedness and response and communications. 'We need to find out what happened. We need to know for us to go forward and make sure that we prevent the loss of life on the scale,' said José Menéndez, a Democratic state senator who will be on the joint select committee. Columbia University has sanctioned more than 70 students for participating in pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campus. According to a source familiar with the disciplinary action, around 80% of those students received suspensions, expulsions or degree revocation. The punishments were announced as the school works behind the scenes to get the Trump administration to restore its federal funding. Earlier this month, CNN reported that Columbia was on the verge of striking a deal that would require it to pay a multimillion-dollar settlement, implement changes to its diversity, equity and inclusion policies, boost transparency in hiring and admissions efforts, and take other steps to improve security for Jewish students. In return, the university would regain access to over $400 million in federal funding the Trump administration stripped away earlier this year. After months of negotiation, President Trump announced a trade agreement with Japan on Tuesday night. The deal will see US importers pay 15% 'reciprocal' tariffs on Japanese goods exported to the states. The 15% rate will also extend to Japanese autos and car parts, putting the country at an advantage over other major vehicle exporters, which have faced a 25% levy on automotive sector exports since April. Additionally, Japan will invest $550 billion in the US, Trump said. 'This Deal will create Hundreds of Thousands of Jobs — There has never been anything like it,' he posted on his social media site. In Tokyo, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba hailed the deal as 'the lowest figure to date for a country that has a trade surplus with the United States.' GET '5 THINGS' IN YOUR INBOX If your day doesn't start until you're up to speed on the latest headlines, then let us introduce you to your new favorite morning fix. Sign up here for the '5 Things' newsletter. The decade-old policy helped customers save some extra cash. Not anymore. The beverage company hopes its new soda will appeal to consumers who buy sparkling waters and hydration drinks. The onstage fight that ended last year's tour has taken a new turn. The stars reveal why fans have had to wait for more than 20 years for another movie. The Black Sabbath frontman, who died on Tuesday at 76, was remembered as a 'pioneer' and 'dear friend.' 74That's how many counts of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon Fernando Ramirez is facing in connection with a car crash outside a Hollywood nightclub over the weekend that injured at least 37 people. 'These bizarre allegations are ridiculous and a weak attempt at distraction.' — Patrick Rodenbush, spokesman for former President Barack Obama, after President Trump made allegations of treason and sedition during an Oval Office meeting. 🌤️ Check your local forecast to see what you can expect. In case you've always wanted to take a closer look at our host star without going blind. Today's edition of 5 Things AM was edited and produced by CNN's Andrew Torgan.
Yahoo
28 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba denies reports of resignation amid pressure
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has denied reports he plans to announce his resignation over a historic defeat of his ruling party in a weekend election, saying instead he wanted to make sure a new tariff agreement with the United States is appropriately implemented. Mr Ishiba has been under growing pressure to step down as his ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its junior coalition partner, Komeito, lost their majority in the 248-member upper house, the smaller and less powerful of Japan's two-chamber parliament on Sunday, shaking his grip on power and Japan's political stability. The loss means Mr Ishiba's ruling coalition, which also lost a majority in the more powerful lower house in October, now lacks a majority in both houses of parliament, making it even more difficult for his government to achieve any policy goals and worsening Japan's political instability. Mr Ishiba had announced his intention to stay on to tackle pressing challenges, including tariff talks with the US, without creating a political vacuum, sparking calls from inside and outside his own party for a quick resignation to respond to the election results. With the tariff deal with the US paving the way for his possible departure, Japanese media said he is expected to soon announce plans to step down in August. The Yomiuri newspaper, in an extra edition on Wednesday, said Mr Ishiba had decided to announce his resignation by the end of July after receiving a detailed report from his chief trade negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, paving the way for a party leadership vote to choose his successor. Mr Ishiba denied the report and said he wants to focus on the US trade deal, which covers more than 4,000 goods affecting many Japanese producers and industries. The Prime Minister, who met party heavyweights and former prime ministers Taro Aso, Fumio Kishida and Yoshihide Suga on Wednesday at party headquarters, told reporters afterwards that they did not discuss his resignation or a new party leadership contest. They only discussed the election results, shared the sense of crisis and confirmed the need to avoid party discord, he said. Mr Ishiba welcomed the trade agreement on Wednesday, which places a 15% tax on Japanese cars and other goods imported into the US from Japan, down from the initial 25%. He said it was a product of tough negotiations to protect the national interest and that it would help benefit both sides as they work together to create more jobs and investment. But Mr Ishiba declined to comment on his possible move and only told reporters that he has to closely examine the trade deal first. In Sunday's election, voters frustrated with price increases exceeding the pace of wage hikes, especially younger people who have long felt ignored by the ruling government's focus on senior voters, rapidly turned to emerging conservative and right-wing populist parties, like the Democratic Party for the People and Sanseito. None of the opposition parties have shown interest in forming a full-fledged alliance with the governing coalition but they have said they are open to cooperating on policy.
