Labour elders push Andy Burnham to make voting compulsory in UK

Former Labour leader Neil Kinnock, together with ex-home secretary David Blunkett, appealed to Mayor Andy Burnham to champion compulsory voting as a means to curb “distorted” election outcomes caused by falling turnout. Citing his decade in Belgium and Australia’s 91% participation in the 2025 federal election, Kinnock argued that legal obligation would boost accountability and civic engagement. Baroness Jan Royall intends to introduce a compulsory-voting amendment to the Representation of the People Bill, proposing a £10 fine for non-voters while allowing exemptions for disabilities, illness or absence abroad.

The measure enjoys support from peers including Lord George Foulkes and from Labour MPs Antonia Bance and Bell Ribeiro-Addy. Critics warn compulsory voting may not improve political knowledge, but the Campaign for Compulsory Voting calls it common-sense reform. The government maintains its focus on simplifying registration and extending the franchise to 16-year-olds.