MARGARET Curran will today (Mon) call for 16- and 17-year-olds to be given the vote in all national and local elections across the UK.

Labour's shadow Scottish secretary will hit out at the prospect of "two tier voting" which could see under-18s having a say in deciding the Scottish but not the UK government.

MPs are due to approve plans agreed during the Smith Commission talks to devolve control of Scottish Parliament elections.

The transfer of powers is being fast-tracked so MSPs can let 16- and 17-year-olds voting in next year's Holyrood election.

But Ms Curran will say: "The next Labour Government will go even further.

"We want 16 and 17 year olds to be able to vote in all national and local elections across the UK from May 2016.

"We shouldn't have two tier voting - Scotland's young people should be able to choose the Government in Scotland and across the UK."

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon yesterday urged Scots to register to vote in May's General Election.

Speaking ahead of National Voter Registration week, which starts today, she said: "One of the most positive aspects of the referendum campaign was that it re-energised debate and involvement, shaking up the political landscape across Scotland.

"Since the record 85 per cent turnout at the referendum, I have been struck by the number of then first time voters who have told me they are looking forward to casting their second vote at the General Election."