Jamelia sparks 'ageism' row as she says old people should be BANNED from voting

The singer's views proved controversial on Twitter
The Weekender

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Jamelia has sparked anger online after suggesting that people over the age of 75 shouldn’t be granted a vote.

Appearing on the Jeremy Vine show, the singer said that old people shouldn’t be allowed to take part in elections as they won’t live to see the consequences of their decision.

She shared her belief that the elderly should not have taken part in the EU referendum in 2016, and went on to suggest that they shouldn’t participate in a potential second Brexit vote either.

Speaking to a pensioner named Pat, the panellist laid out her argument.

After asking the caller not to “become offended by what’s being said,” she explained: “I think that you’re completely capable of being of sound mind [at the age of 75], I think that you are capable of making a vote.

“I just don’t think it’s fair that you have a vote when you’re not going to experience the consequences of that vote.

“And you’ve had 50 to 60 years of voting.”

The singer’s comments prompted intense debate online, with some commentators accusing her of "ageism," branding her views “unbelievable” and even “revolting.”

“Wow! How dare she!” one Twitter user wrote. “Who does she think she is! Maybe she should also say then that 18yr olds shouldn’t be allowed to vote as they have no life experience! She needs to keep her mouth shut if she hasn’t got anything sensible to say.”

“I think a 75 year old pensioner is more relevant than Jamelia nowadays,” one commentator weighed in.

Another described Jamelia’s views as “heartbreaking,” saying: “As a 60 year old woman, Jamelia’s views make my heart hurt. I’ve lived through the worst years of sexism especially in the workplace.”

“To now find myself in a world where my views are marginalised because of my age is heartbreaking.”

“What about respect for our elders and their hard-earned wisdom? Unbelievable,” another Twitter user added.

The Jeremy Vine Show airs on Channel 5 at 9.15am on weekdays

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