MP backs campaign for votes at 16 and 17 in the EU referendum

MP Michael Dugher is backing a campaign for 16 and 17-year-olds to be given the vote in the EU referendum.

Labour have supported the British Youth Council and Votes at 16 in arguing that the issue of Britain’s membership in the EU should be open to input from young people.

Mr Dugher said: “The referendum on Britain’s membership of the European Union is a fundamental decision about the direction of this country and I think the government is wrong to exclude so many young people from the vote.

“16 and 17-year-olds have a massive stake in the future of our country and expanding the franchise to give them a say on EU membership is the right thing to do.”