Stanley Johnson argued on Good Morning Britain that to prevent over 70s from voting on issues in the country was insulting, especially because of the reasoning behind it. Former Apprentice contestant Joanna Jarjue argued that the generational divide and lack of foresight of the changes in the current world was a reason to ban over 70s from voting. Mr Johnson admitted that at times the older generation should take care to consider their choices but dismissed the idea that they should not have a vote regardless of whether they will live long beyond it.
Good Morning Britain host Adil Ray challenged Ms Jarjue argument and said: “Jeremy Corbyn is 70 years old are you saying he should not have a vote?”
Mr Johnson replied: “Joanna the point really is this.
“Where you take this line that over 70s should not be allowed to vote, it would be impacting people for a very long time.
“Because 70 is young, 70 is the new 30.”
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The GMB host then asked whether Mr Johnson would prefer the age to be higher than 70, to 80.
Mr Johnson replied: “I think the more realistic thought is to say everybody should exercise their right to vote in a responsible way for the young and the old.
“The old people may have to give a bit more thought on the kind of lifestyle that they lead.”
The GMB panel then argued that if there was to be another Brexit referendum vote that would change the UK drastically those who would not see the impacts expected for 10 and 20 years later should not be able to vote.
Mr Johnson snapped: “I think that what you have just said is a little bit insulting to the older generation.
“It makes it seem as though the only thing they think about is themselves.”
Mr Johnson remarked: “I think we would have to be pretty old to have been through two world wars.
“My point is, I think you are slightly underestimating the willingness of the old people to recognise issues.
“I remember the other day I was making a speech in favour of Extinction Rebellion, I know everybody thought that was quite a nuisance.
“Sooner or later, Boris said to me I got held up on a way to a meeting by uncooperative crusties.
“The point I am making is you are absolutely right to say the older generation can be held responsible for the ‘mess’ we are in but also some of the good things we are in.”
