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Sixteen-year-olds to be allowed to vote as ministers set out reforms
Sixteen-year-olds to be allowed to vote as ministers set out reforms

South Wales Argus

time6 days ago

  • Politics
  • South Wales Argus

Sixteen-year-olds to be allowed to vote as ministers set out reforms

Labour's manifesto committed the party to lowering the voting age for parliamentary elections to 16, in line with Scottish and Welsh elections. But plans announced on Thursday go further in an effort to increase participation in elections. Ministers have proposed introducing automated voter registration, which is already used in Australia and Canada, and making UK-issued bank cards an accepted form of ID at polling stations. Two dogs wait outside a polling station at the Uffculme Village Hall, in the Tiverton and Honiton by-election (Andrew Matthews/PA) The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said 'far too many people' had been put off voting by the voter ID rules introduced by the previous government, with the Electoral Commission finding around 750,000 people did not vote due to a lack of ID. The Government has already made the Veteran Card an accepted form of voter ID, and intends to allow digital forms of ID to be used when they become available. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said: 'For too long public trust in our democracy has been damaged and faith in our institutions has been allowed to decline. 'We are taking action to break down barriers to participation that will ensure more people have the opportunity to engage in UK democracy, supporting our plan for change, and delivering on our manifesto commitment to give 16-year-olds the right to vote.' Sir Keir Starmer said it was 'important' to lower the voting age, as 16-year-olds were old enough to work and 'pay in' through tax, so should 'have the opportunity' to say how they wanted their money spent. But a poll of 500 16 and 17-year-olds conducted for ITV News by Merlin Strategy found only half said they thought they should be allowed to vote, and only 18% would definitely vote. Labour stood to gain the most, with 33% saying they would back the party, while 20% said they would choose Reform UK and 18% the Greens. Naomi Smith, chief executive of campaign group Best for Britain, said the change was 'a brave choice set to benefit generations to come', and urged political parties to 'do more to win the votes of the UK's young people'. But in the Commons, Conservative shadow communities minister Paul Holmes accused the Government of being 'hopelessly confused' about the age of majority. He said: 'Why does this Government think a 16-year-old can vote but not be allowed to buy a lottery ticket, an alcoholic drink, marry, or go to war, or even stand in the elections they're voting in?' Thursday's plans will also see a tightening of the rules on campaign finance aimed at barring 'shell companies' from donating to political parties and requiring more checks on donations to unincorporated associations. The Electoral Commission will be given the power to levy £500,000 fines on those who break the new rules on donations. Rushanara Ali, the minister for democracy, said: 'We are modernising our democracy so that it is fit for the 21st century.' She added: 'By reinforcing safeguards against foreign interference, we will strengthen our democratic institutions and protect them for future generations.' The proposal follows concern about the vulnerability of UK politics to donations from overseas, which came to prominence amid reports Elon Musk was considering a major donation to Reform UK. Unincorporated associations have long been another concern of transparency campaigners, who have warned they can obscure the real source of political donations. It also comes as the Electoral Commission reported spending at last year's general election hit a record high of £94.5 million, including £69.3 million spent by political parties. Labour outspent its rivals, shelling out £30 million during the campaign, more than twice the amount it spent in 2019, while the Conservatives spent £23.9 million and the Liberal Democrats £5.6 million. Reform spent £5.5 million, the Greens £1.7 million and the SNP £799,000. Electoral Commission chief executive Vijay Rangarajan welcomed the changes to rules on voter registration and political donations, saying they would 'improve the resilience and integrity of our electoral system'. But the commission also warned that allowing people to use bank cards as voter ID had 'risks for security and voter trust'. Thursday's plan will see the Government bring forward legislation to introduce its new rules, which also include tougher sentences for people who intimidate candidates amid a rise in reports of abuse aimed at those standing for election. Harry Quilter-Pinner, executive director of the IPPR think tank, said the changes were 'the biggest reform to our electoral system since 1969', when the voting age was lowered to 18. He said: 'Barely half of people voted in last year's general election. 'Our democracy is in crisis, and we risk reaching a tipping point where politics loses its legitimacy. 'The Government has clearly heard these alarm bells.' Arguing that lowering the voting age and introducing automated voter registration could bring 9.5 million more people into the democratic process, he said: 'At a time when public trust in politics is at a low ebb, this expansion of our democracy is a vital step toward rebuilding confidence, modernising our institutions and pushing back against the rise of populism.' Both the Greens and the Liberal Democrats welcomed the decision to lower the voting age to 16. But Lib Dem Cabinet Office spokeswoman Sarah Olney said the reforms to campaign finance rules left 'an Elon Musk-shaped hole in the Government's proposed changes'. She said: 'Ministers must go much further to close the door to foreign oligarchs interfering in British politics – anything less undermines our democracy.'

Sixteen-year-olds to be allowed to vote as ministers set out reforms
Sixteen-year-olds to be allowed to vote as ministers set out reforms

Glasgow Times

time6 days ago

  • Politics
  • Glasgow Times

Sixteen-year-olds to be allowed to vote as ministers set out reforms

Labour's manifesto committed the party to lowering the voting age for parliamentary elections to 16, in line with Scottish and Welsh elections. But plans announced on Thursday go further in an effort to increase participation in elections. Ministers have proposed introducing automated voter registration, which is already used in Australia and Canada, and making UK-issued bank cards an accepted form of ID at polling stations. Two dogs wait outside a polling station at the Uffculme Village Hall, in the Tiverton and Honiton by-election (Andrew Matthews/PA) The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said 'far too many people' had been put off voting by the voter ID rules introduced by the previous government, with the Electoral Commission finding around 750,000 people did not vote due to a lack of ID. The Government has already made the Veteran Card an accepted form of voter ID, and intends to allow digital forms of ID to be used when they become available. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said: 'For too long public trust in our democracy has been damaged and faith in our institutions has been allowed to decline. 'We are taking action to break down barriers to participation that will ensure more people have the opportunity to engage in UK democracy, supporting our plan for change, and delivering on our manifesto commitment to give 16-year-olds the right to vote.' Thursday's plans will also see a tightening of the rules on campaign finance aimed at barring 'shell companies' from donating to political parties and requiring more checks on donations to unincorporated associations. The Electoral Commission will be given the power to levy £500,000 fines on those who break the new rules on donations. Rushanara Ali, the minister for democracy, said: 'We are modernising our democracy so that it is fit for the 21st century.' She added: 'By reinforcing safeguards against foreign interference, we will strengthen our democratic institutions and protect them for future generations.' The proposal follows concern about the vulnerability of UK politics to donations from overseas, which came to prominence amid reports Elon Musk was considering a major donation to Reform UK. Unincorporated associations have long been another concern of transparency campaigners, who have warned they can obscure the real source of political donations. It also comes as the Electoral Commission reported spending at last year's general election hit a record high of £94.5 million, including £69.3 million spent by political parties. Labour outspent its rivals, shelling out £30 million during the campaign, more than twice the amount it spent in 2019, while the Conservatives spent £23.9 million and the Liberal Democrats £5.6 million. Reform spent £5.5 million, the Greens £1.7 million and the SNP £799,000. Thursday's plan will see the Government bring forward legislation to introduce its new rules, which also include tougher sentences for people who intimidate candidates amid a rise in reports of abuse aimed at those standing for election. Harry Quilter-Pinner, executive director of the IPPR think tank, said the changes were 'the biggest reform to our electoral system since 1969', when the voting age was lowered to 18. He said: 'Barely half of people voted in last year's general election. 'Our democracy is in crisis, and we risk reaching a tipping point where politics loses its legitimacy. 'The Government has clearly heard these alarm bells.' Arguing that lowering the voting age and introducing automated voter registration could bring 9.5 million more people into the democratic process, he said: 'At a time when public trust in politics is at a low ebb, this expansion of our democracy is a vital step toward rebuilding confidence, modernising our institutions and pushing back against the rise of populism.'

Sixteen-year-olds to be allowed to vote as ministers set out reforms
Sixteen-year-olds to be allowed to vote as ministers set out reforms

Western Telegraph

time6 days ago

  • Politics
  • Western Telegraph

Sixteen-year-olds to be allowed to vote as ministers set out reforms

Labour's manifesto committed the party to lowering the voting age for parliamentary elections to 16, in line with Scottish and Welsh elections. But plans announced on Thursday go further in an effort to increase participation in elections. Ministers have proposed introducing automated voter registration, which is already used in Australia and Canada, and making UK-issued bank cards an accepted form of ID at polling stations. Two dogs wait outside a polling station at the Uffculme Village Hall, in the Tiverton and Honiton by-election (Andrew Matthews/PA) The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said 'far too many people' had been put off voting by the voter ID rules introduced by the previous government, with the Electoral Commission finding around 750,000 people did not vote due to a lack of ID. The Government has already made the Veteran Card an accepted form of voter ID, and intends to allow digital forms of ID to be used when they become available. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said: 'For too long public trust in our democracy has been damaged and faith in our institutions has been allowed to decline. 'We are taking action to break down barriers to participation that will ensure more people have the opportunity to engage in UK democracy, supporting our plan for change, and delivering on our manifesto commitment to give 16-year-olds the right to vote.' Thursday's plans will also see a tightening of the rules on campaign finance aimed at barring 'shell companies' from donating to political parties and requiring more checks on donations to unincorporated associations. The Electoral Commission will be given the power to levy £500,000 fines on those who break the new rules on donations. Rushanara Ali, the minister for democracy, said: 'We are modernising our democracy so that it is fit for the 21st century.' She added: 'By reinforcing safeguards against foreign interference, we will strengthen our democratic institutions and protect them for future generations.' The proposal follows concern about the vulnerability of UK politics to donations from overseas, which came to prominence amid reports Elon Musk was considering a major donation to Reform UK. Unincorporated associations have long been another concern of transparency campaigners, who have warned they can obscure the real source of political donations. It also comes as the Electoral Commission reported spending at last year's general election hit a record high of £94.5 million, including £69.3 million spent by political parties. Labour outspent its rivals, shelling out £30 million during the campaign, more than twice the amount it spent in 2019, while the Conservatives spent £23.9 million and the Liberal Democrats £5.6 million. Reform spent £5.5 million, the Greens £1.7 million and the SNP £799,000. Thursday's plan will see the Government bring forward legislation to introduce its new rules, which also include tougher sentences for people who intimidate candidates amid a rise in reports of abuse aimed at those standing for election. Harry Quilter-Pinner, executive director of the IPPR think tank, said the changes were 'the biggest reform to our electoral system since 1969', when the voting age was lowered to 18. He said: 'Barely half of people voted in last year's general election. 'Our democracy is in crisis, and we risk reaching a tipping point where politics loses its legitimacy. 'The Government has clearly heard these alarm bells.' Arguing that lowering the voting age and introducing automated voter registration could bring 9.5 million more people into the democratic process, he said: 'At a time when public trust in politics is at a low ebb, this expansion of our democracy is a vital step toward rebuilding confidence, modernising our institutions and pushing back against the rise of populism.'

Amazon, Sainsbury's, Lidl and Asda product safety recalls
Amazon, Sainsbury's, Lidl and Asda product safety recalls

Glasgow Times

time13-07-2025

  • Health
  • Glasgow Times

Amazon, Sainsbury's, Lidl and Asda product safety recalls

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) and Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a number of recalls, including on products sold at some of the UK's biggest retailers, including supermarket giants Sainsbury's and Asda. This is a guide to the recalls you should be aware of. If you have purchased any of the products below, please stop using them immediately, and contact your retailer, or see the full recall notices for more information. Amazon recalls There are two recalls for products sold by Amazon. The first is an updated alert, issued by the FSA for Orgenism Eggshell Membrane Capsules, because Salmonella has been found in the product. Their update this week said: "This update is to make consumers aware that the Salmonella found in this product has been linked to human illness after consumption of the product. The Salmonella found is resistant to several antibiotics, therefore particular disposal routes are required. "This update is to make consumers aware of additional online platforms selling this product. The product is sold on Amazon and on the Orgenism website." Thursday 3 July 2025. Update 2 - Orgenism recalls Eggshell Membrane Capsules because of contamination with Salmonella #FoodAlert — Food Standards Agency (@foodgov) July 3, 2025 The second recall is for a piece of jewellery sold via Amazon. This has been removed from sale because it contains a 'serious chemical risk' which could cause cancer. The affected jewellery is a Dervivea metal ring and earings with Amazon codes B0CT21SWWY (Ring) and B0DHV43HC3 (Earrings). The product presents a 'serious risk chemical risk' as it contains butylphenyl methylpropional, which is prohibited in cosmetic products. An OPSS spokesman said: 'The products present a serious chemical risk as the cadmium content was found to be greater than the maximum permissible limit in both the metal ring and metal earrings. 'Cadmium is harmful to human health as it accumulates in the body, can damage organs and may cause cancer. 'Owners of the product are advised to contact the distributor they purchased from to request redress. The listing has been removed by the online marketplace (Amazon).' Lidl recall (Image: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire) Lidl has issued an urgent recall as a popular air fryer sold at the supermarket could be a potential 'fire hazard'. The supermarket is recalling the Tower eight litre dual basket air fryer which is sold in its stores. The affected air fryers have a product code of T17129L. No other Tower products sold at Lidl stores are impacted by the recall. Tower is recalling the products 'due to risk of overheating', the retailer said. It added that this could ultimately 'present a fire hazard' to shoppers who bought the item. 'If you own one of the affected models, please stop using it immediately,' Lidl said in the recall notice. Customers who bought affected air fryers have been urged to contact the supplier directly through They will then be able to see if their particular product has been affected and can access instructions for returning it. The retailer added: 'We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your cooperation.' Sainsbury's recall Three popular products sold at Sainsbury's supermarkets across the UK have been recalled, as shoppers were told to 'stop using them immediately'. All of the recalled products present a fire risk, the recall warnings state. The Bosch Styline Toaster has been recalled due to a technical fault which can cause the electronics to overheat and could cause a toaster fire. (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire) The affected products have codes of TAT8613GB and TAT8611GB, and the recall affects the white and black versions of the toaster. A recall statement from producers Bosch, said: 'Bosch (BSH) is voluntarily recalling the above Styline Toaster models produced from October 2021 to April 2023 as the quality checks have revealed a technical fault which can cause the electronics to overheat and could cause a toaster fire. 'To minimize safety risks, please disconnect any affected toaster from the mains supply immediately and do not use it. 'For further details or if you have any questions, you can contact the customer care team on 01536 436236. 'Or if you would like to request a call back please email your contact details at bosch-toaster-action@ and one of Bosch team members will contact you. 'Bosch thank you for your understanding.' ⚠️Here is our monthly recall roundup for June⚠️ Visit for more information.#ProductRecalls #UkRecallsAndAlerts — Office for Product Safety and Standards (@OfficeforSandS) June 27, 2025 Sainsbury's warned shoppers that they had been informed of an issue affecting specific units of rechargeable blenders from Nutribullet. A spokesman said: 'A small number of units have been identified as having a battery defect that could overheat during charging, creating a potential fire risk. 'Please stop using the item immediately, and check if you have an affected product by locating the serial number on the base of the blender. 'Please visit to verify if your blender is potentially affected and if so, register to receive a replacement product free of charge." The Air Fryers affected by the Tower recall have SKUs of 141407023 and 139987372, and both the 2.2 litre and 4 litre Tower Air Fryer are included in the recall. A Sainsbury's spokesman said: 'We have been requested by Tower to alert you to a product recall impacting three Tower branded air fryers produced between January 2022 to April 2023. 'A small number of units have been identified as having a potential manufacturing default that could cause the air fryer to overheat and pose a fire risk. 'Please stop using the item immediately, and check if you have an affected product by locating the product number on the base of the air fryer. 'Once you have identified that your product is impacted. Please visit to see if the batch number means it is included in the recall. 'If it is, follow the instruction on how to return your affected product. We take the quality and safety of our products extremely seriously and would like to apologise to customers affected for any inconvenience this may cause. 'No other batches are affected by this recall.' Recommended Reading: Asda recall A George at Asda product has been recalled from all stores across the UK, and anyone who has purchased it has been urged to 'stop using it immediately'. The supermarket giant has pulled the product from its stores and is asking anyone who owns it to return it to a store for a full refund. The Office for Product Safety and Standards warned that the George Baby 3-Pack Rompers with Zip sold by Asda presents a 'risk of injuries'. The recall affects all sizes of the rompers up to 24 months and impacts the following barcodes: 5059201506212, 5059201505772,5059201506137, 5059201506151, 5059201506175, 5059201505796, 5059201506113, 5059201506199, 5059201505772, 5059201506137, 5059201506151, 5059201506175, 5059201505796, 5059201506113, 5059201506199. ⚠️Here is our monthly recall roundup for May⚠️ Visit for more information.#ProductRecalls #UkRecallsAndAlerts — Office for Product Safety and Standards (@OfficeforSandS) May 31, 2025 A warning from The Office for Product Safety and Standards says: 'The product presents a risk of injuries as some of the zips have sharp edges. This may lead to babies becoming scratched and injured during use. "The product does not meet the requirement of the General Product Safety Regulations 2005. "Consumers are advised to return the product to their nearest ASDA store for a full refund." Recommended Reading: An Asda spokesman added: 'George Baby 3PK Zip Rompers (all sizes up to 24 months) has been identified with a manufacturing issue. "Some of the zips may contain sharp edges, which poses a risk of injury. This issue affects ALL sizes. "If you have purchased the George Baby 3PK Zip Rompers from Asda, please stop using immediately. "Bring it back to your nearest store where you will be given a full refund. You do not need your receipt. We are very sorry for any inconvenience caused. "If you would like any further information, please contact: Asda Customer Relations – 0800 952 010" Matalan recall Matalan has recalled a product which could cause 'strangulation' as customers have been told to 'stop using it immediately'. The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) confirmed that Matalan was recalling some its boys' swimwear due a 'risk of entrapment and strangulation due to the length of the functional draw cords'. These are the affected product names and item numbers: Shark Rash Vest & Short Blue - B369646/647 Seersucker Swimshort Blue - B369742/743 Boys Tie Dye Swimshorts - B369750/751 A Matalan spokesman said: 'It has come to our attention that the above Boy's swim shorts do not meet our usual high standards for quality and safety. (Image: Matalan) "If you have bought any of the swim shorts shown, please do not use and return immediately.' An OPSS spokesman added: 'The products present a risk of entrapment and strangulation due to the length of the functional draw cords. 'The products do not meet the requirements of the General Product Safety Regulations 2005. 'If you have purchased any of the affected boys' swimwear, please stop using it immediately and return it to your nearest Matalan store for a full refund. 'You will not need to produce a receipt.'

Infected blood report to set out impact of compensation delays
Infected blood report to set out impact of compensation delays

South Wales Argus

time09-07-2025

  • Health
  • South Wales Argus

Infected blood report to set out impact of compensation delays

Victims of the scandal, which has been dubbed the worst treatment disaster in the history of the NHS, have described their 'frustration' with waiting. A report into the timeliness of compensation for those infected and affected is due to be published on Wednesday, following additional hearings of the Infected Blood Inquiry. Brendan West was given infected blood in the 1970s (Andrew Matthews/PA) On Sunday the Cabinet Office announced that it was 'unlocking administrative barriers' to help the compensation body 'speed up payments to victims'. Speaking ahead of the publication of the new Inquiry report, Kate Burt, chief executive of the Haemophilia Society, said: 'Delays and uncertainty about compensation continue to have a devastating mental and physical impact on the infected blood community. 'We hope the Infected Blood Inquiry's report on the government's handling of compensation will help to resolve remaining concerns about the scheme as well as maintain pressure to deliver fair payments as quickly as possible.' Brendan West, who was given infected blood in the 1970s, told the PA news agency that many members of the infected blood community felt 'frustrated' while waiting to be called forward for compensation. The former soldier lost his leg in 1979 and was given blood transfusions while at a British military hospital in Germany where his leg was amputated. Four decades later, he discovered that the blood he was given was infected with Hepatitis C. The 64-year-old from Farnborough, Hampshire, now suffers from liver cirrhosis which causes exhaustion. He said he hoped the Government will take 'fair and informed action' after the report is published. 'I'm fortunate enough to now in the process of going through compensation,' he said. 'I have no idea when I will be made an offer but at the moment I think I am being treated fairly.' He added: 'As you're aware people were very frustrated with waiting but it seems to me that the IBCA have bought on a load more staff and they have been inviting people to apply for compensation in greater numbers. 'There is still a frustration from a lot of the community that they're having to wait, particularly those that are affected rather than infected. 'I hope the Government will look at the report recommendations and take fair and informed action on them. 'I think there will be huge backlash if those recommendations are either ignored or discarded.' We've published our latest compensation figures today – these are accurate as of 1 July 2025. We will continue to publish updated figures every two weeks. Click the link to see the latest figures: — Infected Blood Compensation Authority (@IBCA_UK) July 3, 2025 More than 30,000 people in the UK were infected with HIV and hepatitis C after they were given contaminated blood and blood products between the 1970s and early 1990s. More than 3,000 people have died as a result, and survivors are living with life-long health implications. The Infected Blood Inquiry published its main report on the scandal in May last year, and a compensation scheme was announced a day later. But in the same week a general election was called and officials from the Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA) have described how in the early days of the organisation it consisted of two men, a laptop and a phone. Some £11.8 billion has been allocated to compensate victims, administered by the IBCA. As of July 1, some 2,043 people have been asked to make a claim, and 460 people have had their compensation paid totalling more than £326 million, according to IBCA figures. On Sunday, the Cabinet Office said that it will 'reduce the administration and process delays' victims are facing, meaning the IBCA will 'be able to deliver services quickly, and require different supporting information from claimants'. Des Collins, senior partner at Collins Solicitors and adviser to 1,500 victims of the scandal, said: 'In our view there has already been some recent progress in the number of infected people being invited to apply for compensation. 'However it remains the case that those affected – by virtue of the fact they lost husbands, fathers, sons and family members to infected blood/blood products – are still in the dark about the route to compensation for them. 'There has been absolutely no guidance on timeframes for when they will be invited to apply – these members of the community deserve better. 'Whilst the path to compensation for the infected blood community has been far from smooth, improvements can still be made.'

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