Vote is welcome

James Kelly has welcomed the fact 16 and 17-year-olds will get the vote at next year’s Scottish election.

The Labour member backed the Scottish Elections (Reductions of Voting Age) Bill at Holyrood.

But Mr Kelly called on Westminster to follow the example when it comes to the EU referendum.

On the same day the Scottish legislation was passed, Westminster rejected proposals to extend the franchise to 16- and 17year-olds for the EU referendum.

Mr Kelly said: “I was proud to support the passage of this Bill which sends out a very positive message to our young people.

“The greatest legacy of the referendum last year is the level of political engagement we saw, and continue to see, in Scotland’s young people.

“It is hugely disappointing that on the same day young people in Scotland have been afforded a say in future elections that the Tories have voted to block the same rights in the forthcoming EU referendum in Westminster.

“Scotland’s young people will now have the say they deserve in the future of our schools, hospitals, public services and economy.”