European Union Referendum Bill

Debate between George Howarth and Chloe Smith

Thursday 18th June 2015 Commons Chamber

[Chloe Smith]

If I may, Mr Howarth, I will suggest that the two hon. Members sort themselves out. [Laughter.]

[The Temporary Chair (Mr George Howarth)]

The hon. Lady has resumed her seat. Has she finished?

[Chloe Smith]

indicated dissent.

[The Temporary Chair]

In that case, may I commend her on her amazing good sense?

[Chloe Smith]

I have found, Mr Howarth, that it is always good sense to try to stay on the right side of the Chair, and I will do that.

Let me return to the main point of my remarks. We need to do a number of things to address the question of youth engagement in politics. I have already noted that there is high youth engagement in political activity, but not in traditional politics. That is one of the characteristics of the problem facing us. If Mr Speaker were in the Chair, he would no doubt refer us to some of the work that he has led on digital democracy, which is another aspect that we should consider. There is more to the question than the franchise and the age at which we enfranchise young people. The franchise age is no silver bullet on its own.