Today [Thursday], Liberal Democrat MP Stephen Williams is re-launching his campaign to lower the voting age to 16. Having missed the chance to change the law by just eight votes in 2005, Stephen Williams hopes to convince MPs to vote for his motion, which if successful would urge the Coalition Government to make it legal for 16 and 17-year-olds to vote.

Commenting, Stephen Williams said:

"Liberal Democrats want to build a fairer society, which is why I believe the time has come for a vital step in the renewal of Britain's democracy.

"Giving the right to vote to 16 and 17-year-olds now has widespread support across the political spectrum.

"These young people can already vote in many elections in the UK. The Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey have already lowered their voting age. Scottish young people will have the chance to decide the future of their nation next year.

"Several of the world's largest democracies also give this right to their young people. I hope that MPs will vote with me today and put our 16 and 17-year-olds on the same footing as their peers."

The Motion:

The text of the motion is: That this House believes that the age of eligibility for voting in all elections and referenda in the United Kingdom should be reduced to 16.