Robbie Butler MLA, young people's spokesperson, said, “The Ulster Unionist Party supports votes at 16, providing the right changes are implemented to the education curriculum to include political education on how the voting system in Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom works. We would hope that the amendment to the curriculum, the reduction in voting age and the opportunity for those who have most to gain from good political engagement will encourage as many others to come out and vote as well.

“We believe in Northern Ireland, in its potential, in its people, and especially in the power of our young people. A truly prosperous future will be shaped by bringing together the fresh vision of a new generation with the hard-earned wisdom of those who’ve voted through decades of challenge and change. When we give young people a voice early, not only do we inspire hope, we grow a culture of lifelong engagement, where voting feels like a right that matters because it always has.

“If we’re truly serious about building a Northern Ireland that works for everyone, then it must start with a generation who shouldn’t have to fix what they didn’t break but who still carry the courage and clarity to lead us forward.”