I took part in another great debate as part of the first round of my Schools Debating Competition at King's Ely last week.
The motion was ‘This House believes the UK voting age should be reduced to 16’. The debate was lively with plenty of interjections, and some well-researched points on both sides.
The proposition discussed the Welsh and Scottish voting system, the potential impact on voter turnout and other responsibilities individuals hold at 16. The opposition talked about the potential influence of social media on younger voters, peer pressure and the age at which you start to pay taxes. There was even some dispute about the age at which the part of the brain involved in decision-making becomes fully developed!
Congratulations to all the students who took part and to the winners, Sienna Burley and Robert Reed, who will be going through to the final round of the competition to be held at the Houses of Parliament in March.
