U.K. to lower voting age from 18 to 16
The British government has announced a lowering of the voting age to 16. This is two years lower than the current age at which a person can cast their vote. This "seismic" change is part of a package of reforms that will give the electoral system greater integrity, while including more young people in the democratic process. The first chance 16- and 17-year-olds will have to exercise their right to vote will be in the UK's next general election. The government said: "We are modernizing our democracy, so that it is fit for the 21st century. By [extending] the vote to younger people, we are taking a generational step forward in restoring public trust and boosting engagement in UK democracy."
There has been mixed reaction in Britain to the change. Supporters contend that 16-year-olds in Britain work and pay taxes, so they should be allowed to vote. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer agreed. He said: "If you pay in, you should have the opportunity to say what you want your money spent on." The UK's deputy prime minister said: "Young people already contribute to society by working, paying taxes and serving in the military. It's only right they can have a say on the issues that affect them." However, there are many critics. Some point to the fact that 16-year-olds cannot drink alcohol, buy a lottery ticket, or get married without their parent's consent, yet they will be able to vote.
How Can I Get the Breaking News English Podcast?
- Just copy and paste the following web address into the URL field of the podcast software you are using.
https://breakingnewsenglish.com/rss.xml
- If you are using iTunes, just click here for automatic subscription to this podcast.
What's a Podcast?
- A podcast is an audio file (most often an MP3) that you can download to your computer or music player (such as an iPod).
- You can listen to a podcast on a music/MP3 player or a computer.
Podcast Software
- Your podcast software will automatically download Breaking News English's daily listening onto your computer and/or music/MP3 player.
- There is no need to visit the Breaking News English site to download the podcast once the above URL is in your podcast software, unless you also wish to look at or download the news article.
- You can listen to the audio file with iTunes, MediaPlayer or RealPlayer.
See Lessons Based On These Themes
Help Support and Promote This Website
Recommend my site on blogs, forums and other sites.
Message me on Facebook or tweet me to say "hi" and give me feedback.
Consider buying my 1,000 Ideas and Activities book.
Please consider helping Breaking News English.com.
Share