Survey evidence: the EU referendum had a clear positive impact on young people’s political engagement

The UK’s EU referendum was often discussed in terms of a generational divide between older citizens who were more likely to vote Leave, and younger citizens who were more likely to back Remain. But did the referendum do anything to increase the interest of younger citizens in politics? Presenting survey evidence gathered at the beginning and end of the campaign, Stuart Fox and Sioned Pearce write that there are some clear indications the referendum increased engagement among young voters, but it remains an open question as to whether this interest in politics will be maintained long-term.