Student in the spotlight: Student appears on BBC Newsnight

A Capital City College student featured on BBC Newsnight as part of a discussion on proposed changes in voting age.

A Capital City College (CCC) student appeared on national TV to share his thoughts regarding the government’s proposal to reduce the voting age. 

The government recently announced plans to lower the voting age to 16 across the UK in time for the next general election, which is due to take place by 2029. In the UK, young people aged 16 and 17 make up around 3% of the total population. As part of the discussion around this important topic, a number of young people have been featured in news and media broadcasts across the country.

CCC student Jimmy Joseph appeared on BBC’s Newsnight programme on 17 July to share his thoughts on the plans. You can watch the episode here. (20:07). 

Jimmy, who has recently completed a Hospitality and Tourism course at the Finsbury Park campus, said: “It was very exciting to go on TV and I think that the plans that have been announced are great. It is great news that 16 year-olds may be able to vote in the next general election.”

If the proposed change goes ahead, it will be the most significant revision to the electorate since the voting age was reduced from 21 to 18 in 1969. In Scotland and Wales, young people aged 16 are already entitled to vote in both local council elections and elections to the Scottish parliament and the Senedd.

At just 16, Jimmy is already actively engaged in politics and was elected Islington Youth Council’s Young Mayor in February 2025. The role centres around raising awareness of the issues that affect young people in the borough and involves a key role in recognising and addressing through the procurement and provision of council services. Jimmy is also responsible for representing Islington’s Youth Council at regional Young Mayor meetings. 

Next year, Jimmy is going on to study a Professional Chef course at the college’s Westminster campus, as he would like to become a chef for a fine dining experience.

If, like Jimmy, you’re drawn to politics, you might be interested in exploring our A Level in Politics, which is available at both the Kings Cross campus and the Sixth Form in Angel.

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