Alliance has requested further clarity in light of the news that the voting age across the UK has been lowered to 16.

Alliance Children and Young People spokesperson Sian Mulholland MLA, who previously worked on the Votes at 16 campaign, has welcomed the government plans, which were announced today (17 July), however, is seeking to know whether the new voting age will be in place before the next NI Assembly election in 2027.

The North Antrim MLA has said "time is of the essence" and "urgent clarification" is needed on the timescale to which this is implemented. The MLA continued: "We cannot afford any further delay. It's clear to us, not least through engagement with our own Alliance Youth wing, that we have so many intelligent young people who are politically engaged and have deeply held social and political views. They deserve to have their voices heard on policy issues that directly affect their lives and the people making those decisions.

"Education is an important part of this, however, and giving our young people all the tools they need to be able to engage confidently with the political process going forward into the rest of their lives. An overhaul in the current curriculum’s approach to political education is an essential part of this process."

The MLA concluded: "Alliance is unwavering in its commitment to supporting Votes at 16, and we will continue working to see it implemented as soon as possible."