MPs across Greater Manchester react to voting age being lowered

Politicians across Greater Manchester have wholeheartedly welcomed the news that 16 and 17-year-olds will be allowed to vote at the next general election.

A first for British politics in a general election, it has been dubbed a ‘seismic change’ which, it is hoped, will modernise UK democracy.

Ministers say this would deliver on one of Labour’s key manifesto commitments and help to restore trust in politics.

The move will mean young people, who already contribute to society by working, paying taxes and serving in the military, will be given the right to vote on the issues that affect them. 

It will bring UK-wide elections in line with Scotland and Wales. As part of the plans, detailed in its manifesto, the government is going further to make sure eligible voters are not deterred from voting.

It will expand voter rules to permit the use of UK-issued bank cards as an accepted form of ID at the polling station. 

This will be implemented alongside more digital options to support voters and polling station staff, including allowing accepted IDs such as the Veteran Card and UK driving licence to be used at polling stations when they become available in digital format. 

The plan, announced this week, was widely welcomed by all political parties across the Greater Manchester city-region.
Here is what some of them had to say about the news.

Bolton
Yasmin Qureshi, MP for Bolton South and Walkden, said: “I fully support votes at 16; it was part of our manifesto and if people are contributing by working, paying tax and serving in the armed forces, then they should have the vote”

Kirith Entwistle, MP for Bolton North East, said: “I’m delighted that the government is bringing this legislation forward. It’s absolutely right that young people should have the vote as many of the decisions that Governments make have a direct impact on the direction of their lives. 

“I’ve visited many Schools, and Bolton Lads and Girls Club, since my election last year to speak with Bolton’s young people and they are bright, engaged and interested in the future of our country.”

Phil Brickell, MP for Bolton West, said: “If you’re old enough to pay taxes, you’re old enough to vote. This isn’t about me or any other specific MP – this is a manifesto pledge to increase participation in our democratic process, which dwindled alarmingly under the Tories.
“I visit schools and speak to young people every week – I know just how important this measure is for them.”

Bury
James Frith, MP for Bury North, said: “I believe the voting age should be lowered to 16. Young people deserve a say in the decisions that shape their futures just as much as the rest of us. But this change must come as part of a broader package of reform to better prepare 16 and 17 year olds for civic and political life.

“That means an updated curriculum. One that builds political literacy, teaches critical thinking, and supports online safety. We must help young people navigate the pressures of modern life, from smartphones and social media to the growing risks of misinformation and disinformation.
“Young people are more than ready, and willing, to take part in democracy – we just need to equip them properly for it.”

Christian Wakeford, MP for Bury South, said: “In my eyes, if you can work and earn a wage, open a bank account and serve in your nation’s armed forces at 16 – you deserve a fair stake in the country.

“I’m pleased that today we are modernising our democracy, so that it is fit for the 21st century by delivering our manifesto commitment to extend the vote to 16- and 17-year-olds. This marks the most significant expansion of the voting franchise since 1969.

“Alongside this we are reinforcing safeguards against foreign interference which will strengthen our democratic institutions and protect them for future generations, with increased conflicts and the rise of populism we cannot take our democracy for granted.”

Manchester
Lucy Powell, MP for Manchester Central, said: “I know so many young people across Manchester Central, and my own children, are passionate about politics and eager to have their say. 

“At 16, you pay taxes if you earn, you can join the army, but you can’t vote. Yet politicians and governments make big decisions about your future. 
“I’m delighted the government is delivering its promise to young people.”

Afzal Khan, MP for Manchester Rusholme, said: “It’s fantastic news that 16 and 17 year olds will be able to vote in the next General Election. The more voices we include, the stronger our democracy becomes

“Young people are already vital members of our communities: they pay taxes, care for loved ones, and volunteer in local initiatives. They deserve a say in the decisions shaping their lives and future.

“Like every generation, they face serious challenges, from insecure housing and work, to the climate crisis and growing polarisation. It’s only right that their voices are heard.”

Mike Kane, MP for Wythenshawe and Sale East, said: “I’m fully supportive of lowering the voting age to 16. Young people are already playing an active role in our communities, contributing to society and taking on responsibilities like paying taxes, working and even caring for family members.

It’s only right they have a say in the decisions that affect their lives and their futures.

“Bringing 16 and 17-year-olds into the electorate will broaden our democracy and help foster a culture of political engagement from an earlier age. 

“This change will inevitably have an impact on how political parties campaign. It will mean speaking directly to younger people about the issues that matter to them, like education, climate, housing, and jobs and doing so in ways that are accessible and meaningful. That can only be a good thing for the health of our democracy.”

Oldham
Jim McMahon, MP for Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton, said: “In 2017, alongside Oldham Youth Council, I introduced a Private Members Bill to give 16 and 17-year-olds the vote. Under a Labour government, this will become a reality.

“From Oldham to Westminster – our young people made this happen.”

Rochdale
Paul Waugh, MP for Rochdale, said: “At 16, a young person can work, pay taxes and join the military, so it seems sensible that they shouldn’t be denied the right to vote. 

“Whenever I meet sixth formers or young people in work, I’m struck by how they are often as clued up on politics as older age groups, if not more so.

“But this is only one part of key reforms announced today to widen access to democracy, including automatic voter registration and using a bank card as voter ID.

“I also welcome better protection of candidates and party staff from harassment and intimidation, which we sadly saw too much of in the last general election.”

Elsie Blundell, MP for Heywood and Middleton North, said: “I met with the Votes at 16 campaign earlier this week, including Hannah from our local Youth Council who was campaigning for this change. 

“I’m confident that 16 year olds are ready to participate in debates about their futures and the future of the nation. I think today’s decision will be a huge boost of energy into our democratic system.  

“Just like all big constitutional changes, there will be some adjustments and lessons to learn such as better political education in schools, but that’s normal in a modern democracy and will be exciting to see develop.”

Salford
Michael Wheeler, MP for Worsley and Eccles, said: “Fundamentally, this was in our manifesto and I welcome the move to keep this promise in time for the next general election.

“I’ve met an awful lot of very well informed 16 and 17 year olds who are active in their communities, care about what’s going on in the country, and deserve to have a say in decisions affecting their future.

“Whilst you have to draw a line somewhere, I see no reason for that line to be 18 rather than 16.”

Stockport
Navendu Mishra, Member of Parliament for Stockport, said: “I welcome the changes that Labour is delivering to modernise our democracy. Sixteen-year-olds will be given right to vote in next general election, delivering a key manifesto commitment and ushering in the biggest change to our democracy in a generation.”

Tom Morrison, MP for Cheadle, said: “Young people have just as much of a stake in our future as anyone else, from the climate crisis to the cost of living, and they deserve a voice in the decisions that affect them.

“Giving 16 and 17 year-olds the vote is a welcome step, but it’s only the start. Labour need to stop tinkering around the edges and commit to real democratic reform. That means introducing proper proportional representation, scrapping damaging voter ID laws, and ensuring automatic voter registration so no one is excluded from having their say.

“The Liberal Democrats want to transfer power back to the people. After years of Conservative sleaze, chaos and centralisation, it’s time we rebuilt trust in politics by strengthening democratic rights and participation, not undermining them with more of the same from Westminster. Let’s give young people a say and start building a fairer, more representative democracy.”

Lisa Smart, MP for Hazel Grove, said: “There is much to welcome in the Govt’s proposals, including the reduction of the voting age to 16. But there’s a danger that young people’s enthusiasm for our democracy will be dampened because First Past the Post excludes so many voices from our politics.”

Tameside 
Angela Rayner, deputy Prime Minister and Ashton MP, said: “We are delivering on our promise to give 16 and 17 year olds the right to vote. Young people already contribute to society by working, paying taxes and serving in the military. 
“It’s only right they can have a say on the issues that affect them.”

Trafford 
Andrew Western, MP for Stretford and Urmston said “I have always been a supporter of lowering the voting age to allow 16 and 17 year-olds the chance to engage in our democracy. Young people are the future of our country and they deserve a stake in deciding what that future looks like.”
Connor Rand, MP for Altrincham and Sale West said: “One of the best parts of my job is going to schools and colleges across Altrincham and Sale West to talk to students about politics. I’m always struck by how passionate and knowledgeable they are about the issues facing our community and our country.                                                                                                                                                        

“16 and 17 year olds have a stake in our society, they can work and pay taxes so they should have a say in the future of our country too. I fully support giving them the right to vote. We promised it, but now we are delivering it.”
Wigan

Josh Simons, MP for Makerfield, said: “I’m really pleased that many of the kids I visit at schools around the constituency will be the first generation of young people to vote at 16. When I speak to them, they have strong views about politics, our area and their values. 
“This is the right thing to do – engaging more people in our democracy and giving them the right to have a say over the choices made about our country’s future.”