Children in Scotland’s Jackie Brock says its ‘vital’ that 16 and 17-year-olds be allowed to participate in all future elections

The head of Children in Scotland has reiterated her call for 16 and 17-year-olds to be allowed to vote in all future UK elections.

Jackie Brock made the plea one week before the Westminster elections which see thousands of young Scots who took part in the independence referendum blocked from voting.

Holyrood’s devolution (further powers) committee is currently taking Stage 1 evidence on the Scottish elections (reduction of voting age) bill, which would give young people aged 16 and 17 the right to vote in all Scottish elections.

Welcoming what she calls “this important milestone” Brock said: “It is vital that 16 and 17-year-olds be allowed to participate directly in the democratic process, and we would call for the right to be extended to future UK elections.”

Children in Scotland recently launched its manifesto for the general election, with the key campaigning priorities set as: supporting families and tackling child poverty; supporting children and young people, and equalities and rights for children and young people.