Five Reasons You Should Register To Vote This Week

If you haven’t already, you’ve only got 1 week left to register to vote in the UK’s next General Election. Whoever is elected will have the responsibility of deciding on what to do with Britain’s nuclear weapon system, Trident, which is up for renewal from next year. So here’s a few reasons we think young people in Britain might want to get registered…

1. You will have to live with the decision.

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Whatever the decision on Trident in 2016, it’s likely to last for around 30 years meaning most young people will be locked into this decision. A lot can change in that time, for example, 30 years ago, Mikhail Gorbachev was becoming leader of the Soviet Union and Nintendo was releasing the Nintendo Entertainment System, its first games console released in America.

2. Decision makers might not!

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Those making the decision might not even be around to see it through. With an average age of 50, UK parliamentarians are getting on a bit. So it's important you have a say in getting someone who will represent your views into the hot seat.

3. Trident is really expensive.

Renewing Trident would cost around £100 billion over the course of its life time. To put that in perspective, it's the same as £350,000 every hour. Or, that's the same as the cost of employing 150,000 new teachers and nurses every year.

4. The consequences of using one Trident nuclear warhead would be devastating.

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The nukes around today are much more powerful than those used against Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Even the Red Cross has spoken out, declaring that it would be impossible for them to deal with the consequences of the use of nuclear weapons.

5. Accidents do happen

Via funnystack.com

Even if Britain doesn't want to use its nukes, there is always a risk that something might go wrong. At least 11 US nuclear warheads have gone missing and there have been over 300 'nuclear safety events' at HMNB Clyde near Glasgow, where Britain’s nuclear submarines are stationed.

Whatever happens, this is going to be a big decision, so if you haven't already, make sure you have the chance to vote on 5th May by registering online before Monday 20th April.