Age of responsibility is ever a matter for debate

I’VE heard some people arguing for leniency to be shown towards Shamima Begum based on her age (“For the sake of my child let me come back, says IS wife”, February 18).

They argue that as a 15-year-old she was not capable of making a mature decision on the consequences of her actions, was easily influenced and could not properly understand the complexities of the arguments and issues.

It is ironic that a number of the same people also argue that should there be a second Brexit referendum, 15-year-olds should be allowed to vote as they are mature enough to be aware of the consequences of their actions, would not be easily influenced, and are able to understand the complexities of the arguments and issues. Paul Lewis, Edinburgh