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Richmond upon Thames Liberal Democrats:Covering the constituencies of Twickenham and Richmond Park |
Julian Huppert writes: Under-18s must have the right to choose their future
June 22, 2011 1:54 PM
• [Jun 22] Julian Huppert writes: OUR constitution has many interesting anomalies, but to me one of the most obvious has always been the way we treat the 'nearly-adults' in our society. Our 16 and 17 year olds are subject to a whole set of rules that are thrown out of the window when they turn 18; similarly, they are unable to do a whole set of things that they are suddenly allowed to on that most auspicious day. We don't let these nearly-adults vote, have credit cards or bind themselves into a credit agreement. They can, however, commit themselves to an extended period in the armed forces.
. . Under present law, although there is an understanding that young people, can ask their commanding officer for permission to leave the forces, it is not a statutory right, and we have no idea how many young people are discouraged or bullied out of even asking. To me, the right to leave before the age of 18 is crucial if we are going to allow non-adults to serve in the armed forces . . I was delighted when . .[on] 19 May Andrew Robathan, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence, wrote in a Ministerial Statement, that '…following a review of discharge policy I am pleased to announce that, for those under the age of 18, the ability to be discharged will in future be a right up to the age of 18, subject to an appropriate period of consideration or cooling off.'
This is a major victory for young people in our country, and something that Liberal Democrats can rightly be proud of. I hope that we can achieve similar progress in other areas, so that future generations are empowered to make their own choices.
• Julian Huppert writes: Under-18s must have the right to choose their future [Lib Dem Voice Jun 22]
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