Sinn Féin MLA Danny Baker has said the British government should honour the democratic will of the Assembly by transferring powers to extend the vote to 16 and 17 year-olds.

The West Belfast MLA was commenting after the Assembly today backed a Sinn Féin motion calling for the change to be implemented.

Danny Baker said: 

“Extending the franchise to 16 year-olds would be positive democratically and encourage young people to engage politically.  

“Young people should not be forced to depend on older voters to represent their distinct interests and varied values. 

“Sinn Féin, along with others, tabled and successfully passed a motion in the Assembly calling for the vote to be extended to 16 and 17-year olds. 

“While this was an important recognition, the British government retains the power to make the required legislative change and has, to date, refused to do so. 

“However, the Assembly has again today backed votes for 16 and 17 year-olds so the onus is now on the new British government to honour this.

“Labour’s own manifesto committed to votes at 16 so it should now either legislate for this or transfer the necessary powers to the Assembly so we can do it ourselves.”