The Welsh Conservatives have criticised the UK Labour Government for failing to learn the lessons from the Welsh Labour Government’s decision to lower the voting age in Wales.
This proposal comes at a time when a recent report from the Children’s Commissioner (link), highlighted a shocking lack of political engagement amongst secondary school pupils ahead of the 2026 Senedd Elections:
- Nearly 1 in 5 (17%) of young people questioned were not interested in learning about what political parties want to change in Wales.
- Over half (56%) of young people questioned would consult their parents first about the Senedd elections, compared with 25% who would visit the Welsh Government website.
- Nearly two thirds (62%) of young people questioned thought they could vote online, when this has never been an option.
- Fewer than half of eligible 16-17 year olds in Wales are registered to vote.
Commenting, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education, Natasha Asghar MS, said:
“This policy is being rushed through by Labour without proper education or awareness to support it and they have failed to learn the lessons of their counterparts in Labour run Wales.
“The data speaks for itself: Young people are disengaged, misinformed and unprepared to vote in Senedd elections, this should be a warning to the UK Labour Government, that young people should not be given this kind of responsibility.
“This is yet another cynical move by Labour, just as it was in 2021 when Welsh Labour introduced this reform without giving young people the tools they need to fully and confidently engage in democracy.”
ENDS
Note to editors:
- 16 and 17-year-olds to be able to vote in next general election.
