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Sir, The prime minister’s pledge on voting by 16-year-olds smacks of political desperation (“Starmer says 16-year-olds will definitely get vote”, news, Apr 8). Anyone who, like me, has taught this age group will know that they are great fun but not fully formed as adults and hardly to be entrusted with voting rights. I taught at an Oxford college where first-year students (usually aged 18) were regularly described by a colleague as “kiddies”. He was popular and highly respected by students; in no way perceived as condescending. These young people, however bright, are not yet adults and voting for the nation’s future is a serious matter. Exceptions will exist but they will not be nearly a majority. At least Sir
