Starmer makes votes at 16 vow as he praises teen darts sensation Luke Littler

Keir Starmer mentioned he was a “big believer” in 16-year-olds being allowed the vote as he heaped reward on teenage darts sensation Luke Littler.

Littler’s shock run to the ultimate gripped the nation however he fell in need of the grand prize after dropping to Luke Humphries 7-4 in final evening’s last at London’s Alexandra Palace. The Labour chief was requested whether or not the 16-year-old’s efficiency on the World Darts Championship justified extending the vote to youthful youngsters throughout a New Year’s speech in Bristol.

He mentioned: “Luke Littler, I mean it has been incredible watching the darts, seeing what he has done. I am not going to claim I watch darts every day, everybody knows football is my game, but it has been an electrifying couple of days.

“I’m an enormous believer in 16-year-olds with the ability to categorical their views, have their vote and win darts tournaments. I believed he did brilliantly, I believe all people is extremely pleased with him as a 16-year-old.”

Labour has lengthy promised to increase the franchise to 16 and 17-year-olds, which was included within the get together’s 2019 manifesto underneath Jeremy Corbyn. Party chiefs signed off plans handy the vote to round 1.5million older youngsters at its National Policy Forum final summer season.

The blueprint, which varieties as a draft of the get together’s election manifesto, mentioned: “Labour will introduce votes for 16- and 17-year-olds, in line with Scotland and Wales, so that young people feel empowered and can fully engage in our democratic processes. Those who contribute to our society should have a say in how it is governed.” However it appeared to ditch proposals to permit EU residents to have the vote for the primary time.

In Wales and Scotland, 16 and 17-year olds are already eligible to vote in elections at an area and nationwide degree. The change was rolled out in 2015 in Scotland and in 2019 in Wales.