Campaigns for Suffrage
Political Studies: Edexcel A Level, topic 1.2.2
Women's Suffrage in the UK
The women's suffrage campaign was important and changed lots of attitudes in UK politics. The women's campaign brought the question of suffrage to the table before the First World War.
Suffragettes
- Suffragettes such as the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) used direct action and militant methods to show the urgency of women’s suffrage.
- Militant methods included setting fire to buildings, attacking post boxes, and attempting to hurt politicians.
- Campaigners were imprisoned for their actions.
- Suffragettes in prison went on hunger strike and were force-fed.
- These actions made their struggle public, and many people criticised the Liberal government.
Suffragists
- Suffragists tried to achieve the vote using peaceful methods, trying to get a bill passed in the Houses of Parliament.
- Suffragists tried to organise cross-party support and convince and lobby politicians of the importance of female suffrage.
- Suffragists used peaceful demonstrations and gathered support with petitions.
- Suffragists were successful in getting bills to parliament, but none were made into law.
Debates over suffrage
- Some historians have argued that the Suffragettes were too militant in their actions and actually hindered their cause by alienating the government.
- However, others argue militancy brought publicity and urgency, helping speed up change.
- Some historians argue that Suffragists were more effective because they used peaceful methods.
- However, critics say their methods were slow and less effective in forcing immediate political reform.
Votes at 16
16- and 17-year-olds cannot currently vote in UK General Elections, although they can vote in some devolved elections in Scotland and Wales. There have been campaigns to lower the voting age to 16.
Campaign group
- The Votes at 16 Coalition is a group run by several different campaign groups, such as the National Union of Students (NUS) and The British Youth Council.
Arguments for votes at 16
- Supporters argue that 16-18-year-olds can pay income tax and join the army, but are not represented in Parliament.
- Young people are taught about citizenship and politics in school, so they may be politically informed.
- 16- and 17-year-olds have been able to vote in Scottish and Welsh elections, demonstrating that extending the franchise is practical.
Arguments against votes at 16
- Opponents argue that under-18s are not mature enough to make political decisions.
- Few countries allow voting at 16.
- Youth turnout is usually low in elections, so under-18 turnout isn't expected to be different.
Political support
- In 2008 a private member's bill sponsored by Julie Morgan proposed votes at 16, but the bill ran out of time.
- 16- and 17-year-olds were able to vote in the 2014 Scottish Independence Referendum.
- They can now also vote in Scottish Parliament and Senedd elections (Senedd and Elections (Wales) Act 2020).
- The Labour government's Representation of the People Bill (2024) proposes votes at 16 for UK Parliament elections; it reached second reading in March 2026, with Conservative opposition.
Test yourself on Campaigns for Suffrage
Why have some historians argued that Suffragettes were not as effective as Suffragists?
Which of these statements are arguments for votes at 16?
In which UK vote were 16- and 17-year-olds able to vote?
Which MP brought a private member's bill to parliament on votes at 16 in 2008?