Parenting is a long game. Now that my kids are 22 and 20, I’m finally seeing some results.
My daughter just graduated with a first-class degree from Manchester (yes, I’m bragging – I earned it).
My son? He’s holding down a summer job bussing tables – keeps him out of trouble and, helpfully, out of the fridge.
But just as I’m settling into the satisfaction of watching my two become actual functioning humans, along comes Sir Keir Starmer with his bright idea: lowering the voting age to 16. And honestly, I think it’s madness.
Why Sixteen-Year-Olds Just Aren’t Ready
Spend five minutes in a Year 11 classroom and you’ll see it – most 16-year-olds are still figuring out how to dress themselves properly, let alone cast a meaningful vote.
I love my kids to bits, but even they weren’t exactly model citizens at 16. Charming, yes. Wise? Not even close.
Their newfound maturity isn’t down to my parenting genius – okay, maybe a bit – but mainly because their brains have finally caught up.
Science backs it up: the prefrontal cortex, which handles things like judgment and impulse control, doesn’t fully mature until we’re well into our 20s.
There’s a Reason Adults Come with Age Limits
There’s a reason we set age restrictions on things like gambling, watching explicit content, and getting credit cards.
It’s not to be mean – it’s to protect developing minds.
And voting should be treated the same way.
Rolling back that boundary to 16 isn’t progressive – it’s reckless.
We’re asking kids who are still physiologically limited in how they assess risk to help decide who governs the country.
It’s not just naive; it’s dangerous.
The Consequences of Exposure Before Maturity
When young minds are exposed to intense, unfiltered material – whether it’s hardcore porn, drugs like cannabis, or extremist content online – the effects can be lifelong.
Studies have shown this kind of exposure during brain development can lead to serious mental health issues like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
We’re already seeing the damage: young men with violent tendencies, often linked to substance abuse and toxic digital influences.
Their brains were still under construction when they were bombarded with this stuff.
Sorry, I Just Don’t Trust Teenage Judgment
I know there are some exceptional 16-year-olds out there. Somewhere. But I haven’t met them.
Most are still hormonally-charged, half-formed humans navigating their way through emotional chaos.
I certainly wasn’t a wise sage at that age – more of a loud, annoying know-it-all (and that’s being generous).
So when Starmer proposes handing these kids a ballot paper, I can’t help but feel he’s more interested in manipulating young, impressionable voters than respecting the democratic process.
Starmer’s Strategy: Appeal to Teenagers, Whatever It Takes
Let’s be honest – Keir Starmer isn’t doing this for the youth.
He knows full well that many 16 and 17-year-olds don’t have the political understanding to make informed decisions.
But they do have social media and a tendency to follow whatever’s trending.
If you ask me, this is all part of his game.
Wouldn’t be surprised if the next thing he promises is legalising weed just to grab their votes.
It’s cynical and self-serving – and honestly, he’s starting to look less like a leader and more like a political opportunist.
Want to Leave Britain? Starmer Might Make That Easier
At this rate, I’m almost hoping he does take us back into the EU.
Not because I think that’s a good idea – but because it might be easier to pack up and leave once he’s done wrecking the place.
Champagne Socialism Doesn’t Make Sense
On the topic of questionable decision-making, I’m baffled by people like Georgie Robertson – daughter of novelist Kathy Lette.
She’s a full-on party girl, debutante at the fancy Crillon Ball in Paris, living the glam life – and yet she supports Palestine Action, a group that’s under fire from the government.
I genuinely want to ask her: how does someone so seemingly committed to feminism back a cause linked with an oppressive, misogynistic regime?
Especially after the horrors we saw on October 7 – women like Gal Abdush and Shani Louk subjected to unthinkable violence. It makes no sense.
Encounter with Modern Teenagers: A Train Ride from Hell
If you’re wondering why I’m sceptical of teenage maturity, let me describe a recent train journey.
Everything was calm… until a group of teenage boys piled in.
Within seconds: feet on seats, loud music, speakerphone arguments, inappropriate scratching.
I nearly said something – but then I remembered how easily things can escalate in today’s climate.
Best to stay quiet and stay safe. That’s Britain in 2025.
Trump’s Bruised Hands and Royal Lip-Reading: We’ve Lost All Privacy
Did anyone else catch that weird detail about Trump’s bruised hands being caused by “too much handshaking”? Sounds like code for something, doesn’t it?
Meanwhile, Channel 5’s Lip-Reading The Royals pulled in viewers by eavesdropping on everything from Queen Camilla’s hat worries to private banter between William and Kate.
We’re in a world now where even a whisper at a Coldplay concert ends up on national TV.
Meghan’s Boozy Business and the Mystery of Harry
Speaking of Coldplay and cocktails… Meghan Markle has launched her own rosé.
At $30 a bottle and 14.5% alcohol, this is not your average wine.
Two glasses and I’d be horizontal. Maybe that’s the point – perhaps that’s how she copes with Harry’s glum face these days.
Highway Robbery at the Airport
And finally – let’s talk airport drop-offs. I was slapped with a £70 fine just for helping an elderly relative at Heathrow.
Now I hear Edinburgh’s “kiss and fly” zone charges £18 an hour – more than it costs to park a private jet.
How is that fair? If you’re rich and fly by jet, you’re sorted.
If you’re old, slow, or just trying to help someone out, you’re punished. It’s nonsense.
Summer Rain and the State of the Nation
At least there’s one silver lining – yesterday’s downpour across the South East. I, for one, welcome a little rain.
It feels oddly refreshing, like the sky itself is trying to cool off our overheated politics.