The Labour Party is considering expanding the voting franchise to include around 3.4 million EU citizens and 1.4 million 16 and 17-year-olds in future general elections.

Shadow business secretary Jonathan Reynolds confirmed that the party was examining the issue, saying “there are arguments for expanding the franchise” and that Labour wanted to “celebrate” migrants who have made a contribution in the UK.

Reynolds emphasised that it was not yet Labour policy, as the party is still drawing up its manifesto. The proposals were criticised by the Conservative Party, with one spokesperson accusing Keir Starmer of trying to “rig” future elections by handing votes to groups more likely to vote Labour. Photo by Rwendland, Wikimedia commons.