Labour promised to register a million young people to vote yesterday as new figures saw election participation plummet by more than 10 per cent in certain areas of England and Wales.

In an address to Sheffield Hallam University students Ed Miliband vowed to bring young voices back into politics.

“There is nothing more pressing at this election than the future of young people,” said the Opposition leader.

“The future of the country depends on young people and the outcome of this election will determine what kind of future young people have.”

“Your job, your education, your home, your future depend on who wins this election.”

According to Labour Party figures areas with large student populations have been particularly affected by the drop in registered voters following coalition changes to the registration process.

Brighton and Hove council registered a loss of almost 12,500 voters — a 10.5 per cent drop since last year.

Cardiff County Council and Liverpool lost over 23,500 and 20,600 voters respectively.