30-09-03

Barrett slams Council veto on school voting consultation

John Barrett, Scottish Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, today slammed the decision of the Edinburgh City Council's Education Department to deprive school pupils in his constituency a chance to have their say on a key study into the lowering of the voting age.

The Electoral Commission has launched a major consultation on whether the voting age for elections in the UK should be decreased from 18 to 16.  Is has formed part of the Commission's overall investigations into modernising the UK electoral system.

Before making his formal response to the Commission, John Barrett had wanted to consult pupils attending secondary schools in his West Edinburgh constituency by holding a referendum on the issue in each school.  Several schools had already expressed their support for the idea as part of increasing their pupils' political awareness. 

However, the Education Department of the Council has vetoed the idea, stating that it is against their official policy for Members of Parliament to contact school pupils.

In a statement, John Barrett said:

"At a time when young people are more detached and dismayed with politics than ever, it is outrageous for the Council to refuse school pupils a chance to be consulted on an issue which has a direct impact on them.  This decision will only show teenagers that as far as the Council is concerned, their opinion doesn't matter.

"Although those in West Edinburgh under 18 years old can't vote, they are still my constituents and I am still their representative in Parliament.  That is why I wanted to get their input before I write a response to the Electoral Commission.  Clearly the Education Department don't share my outlook.

"What makes this all the more frustrating is that those schools I had sounded out about the idea were very positive and keen to take part.  Unfortunately, it seems the Council seems determined to show yet again that it is keen on preaching but not so keen on listening."

ENDS                           

Notes to Editors

Further details on the Electoral Commission's consultation on lowering the voting age can be found at www.electoralcommission.gov.uk/files/dms/AEM_10002- 8073__E__N__S__W__.pdf