Carmichael welcomes proposed changes to voting rights

ISLES MP Alistair Carmichael has welcomed a commitment by the Labour government to give 16 and 17-year old the right to vote in UK-wide elections.

They already can do so in elections to the devolved parliaments in Scotland and in Wales.

Proposals put forward by the government today (Thursday) would also block political donations made by ‘shell companies’ which risk being used by non-citizens to funnel money to political parties.

However, Carmichael voiced disappointment that the government continued to reject calls for a more proportional voting system for UK-wide elections.

“I am glad that we are seeing progress in votes for 16-year-olds from the UK government,” he said.

“Encouraging young people to take an interest in their future and their politics from an early age is a good thing.”

He added: “Having pressed the government on the danger of foreign donations in recent months I am also glad that they are tightening up these rules to stop the Elon Musks of this world undermining our politics.

“I am disappointed, however, that the government continues to reject the growing campaign for fair votes and a more proportional electoral system.

“The last election was one of the most disproportionate in our history and that only fuels discontent and disappointment with the state of our country.

“If ministers want to see renewal of our politics then they should start at the roots of the problem with electoral reform – so that every vote matters.”