Changes to electoral legislation in the United Kingdom: strengthening British society’s resilience against external influences

On July 17, 2025, the UK government announced plans to lower the voting age to 16. According to the Labour government’s plan, these changes would enable approximately one-third of 16–17-year-olds to participate in the next elections, with polling data indicating their readiness to support the Labour Party.

This measure is an attempt by the Labour government to restore trust in the electoral system following a record-low voter turnout of just 59% of over 48 million voters in the 2024 elections.

Engaging 16–17-year-old voters expands the electoral base and potentially reduces the polarization of British society. The continued decline in support for the Labour and Conservative Parties has fueled the rise of ideologically more rigid alternatives: Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, and a new left-wing party initiated by former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.