Votes at 16: A Fair Deal for Young People?

Saturday 20th September 20:15 to 21:30

Bournemouth International Centre, Meyrick Suite

The government will give 16 and 17 year olds the right to vote in the upcoming elections bill. But will it give young people a fair stake in our democracy?

The speakers for this debate are:

Sarah Olney MP was first elected as the MP for Richmond Park in a 2016 by-election, winning the seat again in 2019. After the 2024 General Election, she was appointed as Cabinet Office Spokesperson, where she now champions electoral reform in Parliament, including the Hereditary Peers Bill and the upcoming Elections Bill.

Tom Brake is Director of Unlock Democracy. Unlock Democracy is a not for profit which campaigns for democratic reforms including proportional representation, House of Lords reform, participative democracy, devolution, greater transparency and accountability of government and a written constitution.

Previously he was a Lib Dem MP and a Government Minister.

Paris Habib serves as Squad Community Manager at My Life My Say, overseeing the flagship leadership programme and fostering networks of emerging changemakers. With expertise in youth engagement and community building, Paris is committed to equipping young leaders with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to influence policy and shape democracy.

Reuben Bance is a youth campaigner and researcher with Make Votes Matter, advocating for proportional representation in the Commons and greater agency for young voters. A recent King’s College, Cambridge graduate, he has a background running cultural projects in the UK and abroad, with a passion for youth advocacy, data, and the arts.

Harvey Jones is currently Chair of Young Liberals, having served previously as Comms Officer during the General Election. He works as a researcher for a Scottish Lib Dem MP in Westminster.