The Inside Story Podcast Is the voting system in the UK fair?
Jul 18, 2025
Afzal Khan, a Labour MP and advocate for youth engagement, joins Yannis Koutsomitis, a European affairs analyst, to discuss the fairness of the UK's voting system. They delve into the potential impact of lowering the voting age, examining success stories from Greece. The conversation highlights barriers to young voter participation, the need for educational reforms, and the challenges posed by the current electoral system. The duo explores how new strategies in political campaigning are vital for engaging younger constituents in a meaningful dialogue.
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Voting Age Should Lower to 16
- Lowering the voting age to 16 is seen as a natural progression in expanding democratic participation.
- Young people who pay taxes should have a say in how those taxes are spent, enhancing decision quality.
Greece Accepts Younger Voters
- Greece's decision to lower the voting age to 16 has been widely accepted without controversy.
- Early voting engagement helps young people become responsible and active citizens sooner.
Educate Youth on Voting Risks
- Young voters risk more impulse and external influence, highlighting the need for civic education.
- Governments should educate youth on democratic dangers and the importance of responsible voting.