ERS is the Press: May 2019 In a month that began and ended with elections for local councils and the European Parliament – both of which showed the changing nature of British politics and the continued decline of the two main... Posted 05 Jun 2019
ERS in the Press – April 2019 As we geared up for a big round of local elections in England and Northern Ireland, we’ve been putting reform of Britain’s out-dated politics firmly on the agenda. Fair votes now As the Brexit process... Posted 01 May 2019
In a Snap Brexit Election, 16 and 17 Year-Olds Must Have the Vote Young people are refusing to be ignored – the recent school climate strikes and campaigning on Brexit have shown that. But while they can protest outside Parliament all they want, there’s a brutal fact: they... Posted 05 Apr 2019
Legislation introduced to extend the right to vote to 16 and 17 year olds in Wales Devolution to Wales has meant that we do a number of things differently from other parts of the UK. From having distinct policies around tuition fees for Welsh students heading to university, to bringing forward... Posted 12 Feb 2019
Five New Year’s resolutions ministers should be signing up to If 2018 has shown us anything, it’s that the debates over the state of our democracy are as crucial as ever. From the Cambridge Analytica scandal to the controversial ID trials at the local elections,... Posted 31 Dec 2018
Inside the backbench burial ground of Private Members’ Bills Most of the legislation that Parliament passes is introduced and backed by the government. But for thirteen Fridays in each parliamentary session, backbenchers steer the agenda. For those days, Private Members’ Bills have precedence over... Posted 31 Oct 2018
ERS in the Press – October 2018 This month we’ve had some fantastic coverage of our issues in the press, here’s just a highlight. Calls to lower UK voting age as Welsh assembly considers change. Our call for a “united franchise” –... Posted 30 Oct 2018
Votes for 16 and 17 year olds in Scotland, Wales… and overseas? What connects people with Irish, Kiribatian or New Zealand passports? They can all vote in UK general elections if they have (or don’t need) leave to remain in the UK. Who votes in UK elections... Posted 17 Oct 2018
Assembly vote to extend the franchise is a major step forward for Wales For those of us who are politically-minded, voting for the first time is a landmark occasion. There is satisfaction in putting a cross next to your preferred candidate and placing the completed ballot paper into... Posted 10 Oct 2018
Wales is leading the way in building a better democracy, Westminster should take note There’s been plenty of talk at Conservative conference of how to win back young voters. But so far there has been little policy detail. What’s happening in Wales might provide some inspiration. This Tuesday, the... Posted 02 Oct 2018