The UK government on Thursday announced its plans to lower the voting age to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in general elections.

This proposed change in voting rights, subject to parliamentary approval, would extend to Scotland and Wales.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in an interview with ITV News on Thursday, said lowering the voting age to allow people aged 16 and 17 to vote is important.

“I think it’s really important that 16 and 17-year-olds have the vote, because they are old enough to go out to work, they are old enough to pay taxes, so pay in,” Mr Starmer said. “And I think if you pay in, you should have the opportunity to say what you want your money spent on, which way the government should go.”

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said in a statement also seconded the move, saying, “We are taking action to break down barriers to participation that will ensure more people have the opportunity to engage in UK democracy.”

However, Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, opposed this move, speaking to ITV News, arguing that only those able to stand as a candidate in an election should be able to vote.

Mr Farage said, “I’m really encouraged by the number of young people that are coming towards us.”