The 16 Initiative

Make 16 Make Sense - The 16 Initiative is campaigning to allow 16‑year‑olds to stand for MP.
Youth leadership • Fair representation • UK democracy

[The 16 Initiative @The16Initiative]

With voting at 16 now a reality, it’s time to ask the next question: should young people also be able to stand for Parliament? Today I’m launching The 16 Initiative — a campaign to open candidacy to 16‑ and 17‑year‑olds. Let’s Make 16 Make Sense.

[The 16 Initiative @The16Initiative]

If a consultation doesn’t have a disagree button, is it a true consultation? Especially since the MPs voted against a social media ban for under 16s. This is going to be used to get a false result and justify a ban, saying the people asked for this. They haven’t.

[Big Brother Watch @BigBrotherWatch]

🆔Government to public: Do you want digital ID checks to be used to enforce a social media ban for under-16s
☐ Yes
☐ Definitely yes
☐ Strongly yes
☐ Yes 100%

The “consultation” doesn’t appear to have a box for disagreeing.

[The 16 Initiative @The16Initiative]

Fact: Maturity is about experience and perspective, not just age. Young people bring a vital, fresh viewpoint on issues like climate change and education-issues that will shape their future more than anyone else's. #Make16MakeSense #MythBusting #YouthLeadership #NextGeneration

[The 16 Initiative @The16Initiative]

@auksupporters The indoctrination of people at universities is why we need to get to them before they go to uni. We need to start at 13 please!

[The 16 Initiative @The16Initiative]

@auksupporters Hi @lithologuy, I would like to DM you but unfortunately X won’t let me. How could I contact you?

[The 16 Initiative @The16Initiative]

Check out our latest update on @Substack!

https://t.co/rs9QCh2HrL

#Voteat16Standat16 #The16Initiative #Make16MakeSense #Standat16 #VotingAge16 #UKParliment

[The 16 Initiative @The16Initiative]

Good news! Who would have explained to children what was going on in the world and facilitated the view-making process without this source of information? @Keir_Starmer indicated it would be the teachers. Can anyone else see the problems with that?

[Basil the Great @BasilTheGreat]

🚨BREAKING: UK PARLIAMENT VOTES AGAINST SOCIAL MEDIA BAN FOR UNDER 16's

Final count:

Yes: 173
No: 307

Are you FOR or AGAINST a ban?

[The 16 Initiative @The16Initiative]

This campaign isn’t about age — it’s about fairness. It’s about a generation who will live longest with the consequences of political decisions finally having the right to shape them.

[The 16 Initiative @The16Initiative]

Sixteen‑year‑olds bring clarity, courage, and honesty that enrich our public life. They see problems plainly. They speak truthfully. They understand the future they’re inheriting. Let’s give them a seat at the table.

[The 16 Initiative @The16Initiative]

If you believe politics should bring people together, not tear them apart, join us.
Follow, share, and invite someone who wants a better future.

[Ben Habib @benhabib6]

Was Winston Churchill one of the greatest Britons ever?

[The 16 Initiative @The16Initiative]

Thanks Clare!

[The 16 Initiative @The16Initiative]

@auksupporters @lithologuy @_AdvanceUK Excited to get started! In the meantime, I have been working on this:
https://t.co/Cv9deanukf

[The 16 Initiative @The16Initiative]

If you’re old enough to vote, you’re old enough to stand. If you can stand, you should be recognised as an adult. It’s time for consistency in our democracy.

[The 16 Initiative @The16Initiative]

Follow The 16 Initiative to Make 16 Make Sense!

[The 16 Initiative @The16Initiative]

If you’re old enough to vote, you’re old enough to stand. If you can stand, you should be recognised as an adult. It’s time for consistency in our democracy.

[The 16 Initiative @The16Initiative]

This is what The 16 Initiative is fighting to change. 16- and 17-year-olds should be able to stand for Parliament if they can vote. If you support this, follow us today!

[The 16 Initiative @The16Initiative]

Sixteen‑year‑olds already make decisions about education, work, care, and community. They show clarity, courage, and honesty that politics desperately needs. If they can vote, they should be able to represent.