Government reconfirms commitment to Votes at 16 following APPG on Political & Media Literacy-hosted event in parliament.
Joint statement from The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Political and Media Literacy, and its secretariat, Shout Out UK in response to the government’s announcement of lowering the voting age to 16 for all UK elections.
Shout Out UK and the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Political and Media Literacy welcome the government’s announcement today that the voting age is to be lowered to 16 for all future UK elections. The announcement follows yesterday’s launch in parliament of the Democracy Classroom network’s Roadmap to Votes at 16. The event was hosted by the APPG’s chair Kirsty Blackman MP, and featured speakers including young people from around the UK and Democracy Minister, Rushanara Ali.
While welcoming this significant step towards broadening democratic participation, Shout Out UK and the APPG unequivocally assert that the success of this franchise extension is inextricably linked to the robust implementation of Political and Media Literacy education.
“The decision to extend the franchise to 16 and 17-year-olds is a monumental moment for UK democracy, recognising the vital role young people play in shaping our future. It has already been an overwhelming success in Scotland, encouraging young people to get involved in the democratic process at an earlier stage,” said Kirsty Blackman MP, Chair of the APPG – “However, for this expansion to truly empower a new generation of voters, it must be underpinned by comprehensive Political and Media Literacy education. Without it, we risk uninformed participation and susceptibility to manipulation, undermining the very democratic principles we seek to strengthen.”
The APPG on Political and Media Literacy, alongside its secretariat Shout Out UK, firmly believes in a symbiotic relationship between Votes at 16 and Political and Media Literacy education. Neither policy can achieve optimal success without the robust implementation of the other. Drawing on extensive research and consensus among experts, the APPG’s recent Policy Brief outlines critical strategies to ensure young voters are equipped with the essential skills to navigate the complex political landscape, evaluate information critically, and engage effectively in democracy.
“Our experience, including lessons from Wales where Votes at 16 was introduced without concurrent Political and Media Literacy education, highlights the crucial need for high-quality, in-depth educational provision,” stated Matteo Bergamini. “Lower turnout and reports of young people feeling unprepared underscore that it’s not just about presence, but the quality and depth of Political and Media Literacy that truly matters.”
To ensure this expansion of suffrage leads to a more informed, resilient, and vibrant civic society, Shout Out UK and the APPG on Political and Media Literacy urge the UK government to proactively implement the following interconnected measures:
- Mandate Political and Media Literacy as a Statutory Subject: Integrate Political and Media Literacy as a dedicated, foundational subject in the national curriculum, focusing on critical thinking and core democratic concepts, bolstered by cross-curricular embedding. OFSTED should monitor and record schools’ engagement.
- Invest in Teacher Capacity: Prioritise significant, sustained investment in teacher training and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for Political and Media Literacy educators across all Key Stages.
- Foster Cross-Governmental Collaboration: Establish formal mechanisms for robust collaboration between the Department for Education (DfE), Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS), and other relevant departments for a holistic approach to democratic health.
- Establish a Robust Evidence Base: Commission and fund comprehensive, large-scale UK-specific studies on Political and Media Literacy to inform policy development and ensure evidence-based interventions, potentially through the UK’s re-entry to the International Civic and Citizenship Student Survey.
These measures represent vital, long-term investments in the future of UK democracy, ensuring that the expansion of suffrage leads to a more informed, resilient, and vibrant civic society.
About Shout Out UK:
Shout Out UK is an award-winning independent organisation dedicated to promoting political and media literacy, democratic engagement, and counter-extremism.
About the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Political and Media Literacy:
The APPG on Political and Media Literacy is a cross-party group of Peers and MPs dedicated to championing political and media literacy education across the UK.
For further information, please contact Amelia Fairney, Head of Strategy and Communication, Shout Out UK, amelia@shoutoutuk.org/07990821182
