Young people say they'd elect a 'strong leader'. I say give more of them the vote | Polly Toynbee

Given what gen Z have been through, it’s no wonder they’re not impressed by democracy. But giving them a real stake in it could change everything

For God’s sake don’t give them the vote! Many people said that after a shocking poll published this week appeared to show young people rejecting democracy. But that’s utterly wrong. On the contrary, this should prompt Labour to accelerate its manifesto pledge to give 16- and 17-year-olds the vote. They need more democracy, not less, and soon.

The Channel 4 poll found that 52% of 13- to 27-year-olds think “the UK would be a better place if a strong leader” were in change “who does not have to bother with parliament and elections”, and 33% thought the country would be better run “if the army was in charge”, among other dark impulses.

Polly Toynbee is a Guardian columnist

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