Following the Scottish independence referendum which saw a record voter turnout, West Cornwall MP, Andrew George, has renewed calls for the national voting age to be lowered from 18 to 16.

Mr George said: “The evidence of engagement of young people in the referendum debate was one of many positive features of the campaigning and the electoral process. This should give the UK Government reason to pause for thought.

“My Liberal Democrat colleagues and I are committed to lowering the voting age to 16. I believe that it is now only a matter of time before we see votes at 16 rolled out across the UK. This should happen sooner rather than later and should apply to all elections - at national or local level.

“I look forward to visiting colleges in my constituency to hear the views of our 16 and 17 year olds on this issue."