Birmingham — UK Labour MP Preet Kaur Gill has thrown her support behind a sweeping new democratic reform package that promises to reshape the way Britons engage with politics. The proposed changes, unveiled in Labour’s new Plan for Change strategy paper, aim to boost political participation, tackle foreign interference, and ensure a more inclusive and accessible electoral process.
At the heart of the proposals is a landmark commitment to lower the voting age to 16 — a move that Gill hailed as “the biggest change to our democracy in a generation.”
“As the local MP, I get to meet hundreds of young people every year at universities, schools and events across our constituency,” Gill said. “I’m consistently impressed by how switched on they are, and think it’s important they have a democratic stake in their future.”
The Labour Party’s plan will bring voting rights in UK-wide elections in line with Scotland and Wales, where 16- and 17-year-olds are already allowed to vote. Gill highlighted that young people contribute meaningfully to society by working, paying taxes, and serving in the military, and therefore deserve a say in the decisions shaping their lives.
In addition to expanding the electorate, the plan includes robust measures to protect British democracy. One such measure requires unincorporated associations — often used in political campaigning — to perform due diligence on any donation exceeding £500. The move is aimed at clamping down on foreign interference and increasing transparency in political funding.
Gill also welcomed Labour’s plan to ease voter ID requirements. Under the proposed changes, common forms of identification such as bank cards will now be accepted at polling stations, making it easier for a broader section of the population to cast their votes without unnecessary barriers.
“These reforms aren’t just about making elections more accessible,” said Gill. “They’re about rebuilding trust in our democracy and ensuring that every voice — especially the voices of the next generation — is heard.”
The proposed reforms signal Labor’s intent to modernize the UK’s democratic infrastructure amid growing concerns about voter disenfranchisement and political transparency. With the next general election on the horizon, the changes could significantly reshape the political landscape, empowering young citizens and reinforcing democratic safeguards.