Lanark and Hamilton East MP Angela Crawley has called on young people across the UK to ensure their voice is heard in the EU referendum debate.

The local MP is urging young people to ensure they are registered to vote, and to use their vote next month to have a say on the future of the UK’s EU membership.

A recent poll shows the decision over whether the UK remains inside the European Union could depend on young people.

The online survey by Opinium showed just half of 18- to 34-year-olds are certain to cast their vote on 23 June.

The deadline for registering to vote in the EU referendum is midnight on Tuesday 7 June.

Commenting, Angela said:

“Young people could hold the balance over whether the UK stays in, or leaves the EU. They must ensure their voice is heard in the debate, and they vote come polling day on June 23rd.

“In the last few years Scotland has seen higher levels of political engagement than it has ever seen in its history, thanks to the independence referendum which was hugely engaging, particularly for young people.

“The reason that has happened is because people have realised that politics is not some abstract thing that you have to be a politician to understand – politics is everywhere. It is the bills you pay, the wages you get, your housing, your education, your job. Because politics impacts everything, need to see a much greater level of engagement right across the UK.

“This referendum really matters, and it is the younger generation that will be most affected by the outcome of the vote on June 23rd.”