The YCW in England and Wales is pleased to announce that it is formally placing its support behind a campaign to allow 16 and 17 year olds to vote in the upcoming referendum which will determine whether the United Kingdom remains a part of the European Union.
The British Youth Council, a charity which empowers young people to have their voice heard within society, has been campaigning for the enfranchisement of 16 and 17 year olds since 1998. The BYC have written to David Cameron, Prime Minister of the UK, to urge him to change the rules to allow the voice of young people to be heard in this important decision for the country.
This call comes after the Scottish government allowed young people aged 16 and 17 to vote in the recent referendum on Scottish independence, which many commentators admit was a factor in the engagement of young people in the political debate.
Phil Callaghan, National President of the YCW said, 'The referendum on whether the UK should remain part of the European Union is a tremendously important event in the history of our country. It is only right that young people should be able to take part in a decision which could have a real and lasting affect on their futures.'
The YCW has contacted the British Youth Council to offer their formal support to this important campaign.
