BY HANNAH GRAHAM

THE upcoming EU referendum has led to a barrage of criticism regarding the voting age.

This is such an important decision to make, not only for our country, but for our future.

A change such as leaving the EU would have a massive effect on our economy, trading, and our relationships with other countries both inside the European Union, and out of it.

As this change is widely aimed at shaping the future of Great Britain and how we can develop as a country, shouldn’t the voices of the future be able to have a say?

We are the future Prime Ministers, we are the future members of Parliament and we are the future decision makers.

However, if the UK makes a decision it later regrets on June 23, we are also going to be the ones clearing up the mess.

It is a fair point that not everyone of a young age would take the opportunity to vote in the referendum seriously, but letting such a small percentage of young people stain the reputation of us all is an oversight and a mistake on the part of the older generation.

Organisations like the Dorset Youth Council, the PCC shadow board and similar groups all over the country prove that there are young people everywhere who are yearning to be listened to.

They are striving for the opportunity to represent their country, their community, and most importantly themselves by voting on such a life-changing matter.

This isn’t just a promotion for the campaign to get 16-year-olds the vote, it is more of a protest at the fact that my future is being decided for me and, at the moment, there is a law against me changing that.

I believe that more should be done to ensure young people are listened to when it comes to matters like this.

I also believe that the UK’s future shouldn’t be decided by a group of people who are in power just because they have status, money, or even a sharp tongue.

A quick, witty brain won’t get us very far, but logical, fair thinking will.