National Democracy Week: The Conservative case for extending the franchise is stronger than everThe following piece is a guest post by Owen Meredith, National Chairman of the Tory Reform Group. This inaugural National Democracy Week, we should take a moment to remember the sacrifices made by millions to protect...Posted 03 Jul 2018
Four ways Westminster’s politics needs fixing this Democracy WeekMonday marks the start of the first ‘National Democracy Week’ – the government’s initiative to encourage democratic participation. It has been established on the premise that “regardless of who we are or where we are...Posted 29 Jun 2018
No more filibustering – why the government should get behind a fairer franchiseScotland has it, Wales is getting it, and more and more politicians are calling for it in England. Yet on Friday, a handful of MPs prevented legislation on votes at 16 going to the next...Posted 15 May 2018
With cross-party support, we can secure a fair franchise for young peopleToday MPs will debate a bill which could step our democracy up a gear. Dr Peter Kyle’s Representation of the People (Young People’s Enfranchisement) Bill would extend the vote to 16 and 17-year-olds. But whereas many bills...Posted 11 May 2018
George Osborne is far from the only Tory backing Votes at 16Votes at 16 not a Tory policy? Think again. George Osborne has become the latest in a succession of Conservatives to throw his weight behind extending the franchise. He tweeted this week: More Tory MPs...Posted 16 Feb 2018
Welsh Assembly must not miss this golden opportunity for reformPolitics in Wales has reached a critical juncture – and this week Assembly Members (AMs) have a big decision to make. One road would see exciting changes to the way politicians are elected, placing power...Posted 06 Feb 2018
Wales is leading the way on democratic reform. The Prime Minister should take noteThe Welsh Government have just launched proposals that could revitalise democracy. But they could also send shock-waves to Westminster. In 2014, 16 and 17 year olds in Scotland won the right to vote in the...Posted 30 Jan 2018
Survey results add weight to argument for Votes at 16When reformers argue in favour of extending the vote to 16 and 17-year-olds, they often do so by stating what other things those within that bracket are already doing (paying taxes, driving etc.) For many people these arguments will ring true – but for...Posted 22 Jan 2018
Wales tears down barriers to democracy as England fortifies themLast week Wales has shown just what devolution can do: allow new ways of doing democracy. On Tuesday the Welsh government launched a consultation that has the potential to be a game-changer when it comes...Posted 27 Jul 2017
Citizenship education paves the way for votes at 16With Wales looking to equalise their voting age with Scotland for local elections at 16, we asked our work experience student Carla to explain what impact the citizenship education classes she’d recent completed would have...Posted 19 Jul 2017