UK government to lower voting age to 16 before next national election

The UK government, led by the Labour Party, has announced plans to lower the voting age from 18 to 16 ahead of the next general election, a move critics say is aimed at benefiting the political left. The reform, part of broader electoral changes, also includes expanding voter ID to include bank cards and tightening rules on foreign interference and donations. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Deputy PM Angela Rayner argue the change gives young people a fair say in their future. Opposition figures, including Conservative MPs and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, accuse Labour of trying to manipulate the electorate, Fox News has reported. The proposal still requires parliamentary approval.