Should Politicians Have to Pass Competence Tests? (Your Radical Questions with David Runciman)

David Runciman, podcaster and former politics Professor, answers Your Radical Questions. In the main episode, David argued that lowering the voting age to six is a true expression of universal suffrage and could help reinvigorate our stagnant democracy. Now, our listeners challenge him on whether kids would just vote how their parents tell them,  and whether there’s any evidence or precedent to support his radical proposal. 

Plus, should knowledge and competence be rewarded in our democratic system? Should some votes count more than others and should our politicians have to pass tests before they stand for office?

Next week, our Radical guest is Derek Gow, a conservationist, rewilder and outspoken advocate of large-scale species re-introductions. He argues that we should give much more of our land back to nature and away from conventional farming, using the innate behaviour of native species – in particular beavers – to restore natural ecosystems which could help protect against the devastating effects of climate change. 

We want your radical questions for him, so please get in touch. 

* WhatsApp: 0330 123 9480    * Email: radical@bbc.co.uk

Episodes of Radical are released every Thursday and Monday.  

Series Producer: Rufus Gray Producers: Nathan Gower, Ivana Davidovic Digital Producer: Gabriel Purcell-Davis Technical Producer: Philip Bull Senior News Editor: Sam Bonham