Labour MEP says 16-year-olds must be allowed to vote in EU referendum

North West Labour MEP, Afzal Khan, Vice-Chair for Security and Defence

Greater Manchester's 16-year-olds should be given a vote in the EU referendum, says North West MEP, Afzal Khan.

The Labour MEP is backing moves by the House of Lords in Westminster to give the vote to those "aged 16 or 17 on the date on which the referendum is to be held".

On Wednesday evening peers in the House of Lords will vote on a Labour amendment giving the franchise to 16 and 17 year olds at the report stage of the EU Referendum Bill giving the franchise to 16 and 17 year olds.

Afzal Khan MEP said: "I strongly believe 16 and 17 year olds should be allowed to vote in the EU referendum, and in all future elections - they can currently get married, pay tax, be a company director and even change their name, but they cannot vote.

“Greater Manchester's 16 and 17 year olds can work and pay into the tax system, but cannot have a say in how that money is spent - they are paying taxation without being able to choose their representation. Only by giving young people the vote can they take control of their future.

"The issue of our membership of the EU is the biggest question we have faced for a generation, and it will affect young people the most. They will have to live longest with the consequences of this decision, yet as it stands they will have no say on the country’s future role. It’s wrong and the government should think again."