Former Labour candidate for Newbury calls on Richard Benyon to defy party on EU vote
LABOUR’S General Election candidate for Newbury called on sitting Conservative Richard Benyon to vote against his own government in a failed bid to allow 16- and 17-year-olds the right to vote in the coming EU referendum.
Jonny Roberts (pictured) pointed out that during the parliamentary campaign, Mr Benyon told sixth formers that he supported lowering the voting age.
In a letter addressed to the MP, Mr Roberts wrote recently that despite policy disagreements he was impressed by the courteous manner of the Tory MP and was grateful for his regular attendance at local hustings events.
He wrote: “I was particularly pleased to find, through debating you at those hustings, that there were more areas on which we agree than I had expected.
“Including the value of international development spending, the need to address climate change and the importance of the electrification of the railway beyond Newbury.”
He added that two other areas on which they agreed upon were: “It is in Britain’s best interests to be in the European Union and that the voting age should be lowered.
“If a vote on such an amendment to the EU Referendum Bill does come to the House, can I assume you will vote against the Government and instead join Labour MPs in voting to extend the franchise to 16- and 17-years olds on this hugely important decision, which will obviously affect their lives more than it will impact older generations?”
Richard Benyon, writing in response to the letter, said: “Thank you for your kind words. In reply to your compliments, you proved yourself a serious contender and I have notified my party that you are ‘one to watch out for’.
“As I freely confessed, I am on a bit of a journey about the voting age.
“In the past I was content that as we treat 18 as the age that when you become an ‘adult’ in the welfare system, when you can fight for your country, and many other measures, it was the right age to begin voting.
“I was, however, affected by the Scottish referendum and seeing all those young people engaged in such an important issue.
“I caution those who say that the franchise must be lowered to 16 ‘because it’s their future too’ because that logic would apply to any age.
“Young people mature in different ways and at different times in their life.
“I want a serious piece of work done across party lines to look at lowering the voting age but any lowering of the age must be linked with something as equally important. That is, a system of educating people about voting, what it means for them and their community.
“Also, why it is their responsibility to vote because the freedoms of self-determination have been won by our ancestors’ blood sweat and tears.
“So, I am with you in spirit but if it is going to happen I want it done properly.”
Ultimately, MP's voted yesterday to not allow 16 and 17 year old's the right to vote in the upcoming EU referendum.
