Sweet sixteen

In these times of extreme political uncertainty, with decisions about to be taken which will affect our lives for decades to come, surely it is time for our “united” country to rethink the current voting franchise.

Voters of working age, particularly those under 50, will be left to bear the cost of Brexit. Yet it is clear that the decision to leave, in the main, was taken by older voters. Scotland has sensibly decided that the voting age should be 16 and now the United Kingdom should reciprocate. It

was good to read of an upsurge in political interest in young voters last week and by this slight extension in the voting age they would have a chance to take more ownership of their future. Maybe a fresh vision might avoid hung parliaments and lemming-like leaps into oblivion.

GORDON BROWN The Meadows, Peebles EP Carruthers says the SNP are advocating proportional representation as a way to secure a future voice in Westminster (Letters 13 June). Actually, the SNP made this proposal even before the 2015 General Election.

It is the Conservatives and Labour who blocked it and will continue to do so to suit their own ends.

GILL TURNER Derby Street, Edinburgh