A group of 60 Labour MPs have penned a letter to the Prime Minister, urging him to champion a suggested prohibition on social media access for under-16s, prior to a parliamentary vote in the the Lords this week.
Widespread Support Emerges
The signatories, including committee heads, former frontbenchers and members from across the party's spectrum, are looking to apply pressure on the administration. This comes as mounting pressure for the UK to emulate the approach of Australia, which implemented a parallel restriction last December.
While Starmer has indicated he is open to the idea, members of the House of Lords are looking to bring the matter to a head via an proposed change to the Children, Wellbeing and Schools Bill. This amendment would mandate the enactment of a prohibition within 12 months of the act receiving royal assent.
“Across our constituencies, we encounter the same concerns: children are anxious, unhappy, and unable to focus on learning. They are not building the necessary skills needed to thrive.”
International Action
The missive, coordinated by Labour MP Fred Thomas, also states that “Globally, governments are accepting the scale of this issue and acting.” It notes current or planned legislation in countries like France, Norway, New Zealand, Greece and Denmark.
“We believe the onus must be placed on technology platforms, not parents, to block underage access,” the MPs write. “We would favour a system akin to Australia’s that requires companies to take meaningful steps to enforce age limits.”
Practical Hurdles
This weight of parliamentary backing in the Commons increases further scrutiny on the Prime Minister. Although he has previously expressed doubts about the workability of a ban, he recently told MPs he was open in principle to the concept.
Yet, over the past few days, government figures have emphasised concerns that a ban could unintentionally drive children toward the dark web. They have insisted on the need to assess further information from the Australian policy before enacting a UK version.
“On paper, Keir is for a ban. We can all see the risks and are anxious about what is happening to young people’s minds,” commented an insider. “But there are still significant hurdles to overcome with implementation. We need to move cautiously and make sure we get this right.”
Parliamentary Test
The Prime Minister's approach will face a practical test this week when members of the upper house vote on the proposed change by Conservative peer John Nash. This amendment to the legislation proposes introducing an age limit within a year the law is passed.
Although the Labour leadership has not announced its stance on the amendment, several Labour peers are likely to support it despite any party whip.
Among them is former MP Luciana Berger, who has supported Lord Nash's amendment. She stated: “The plan for increasing the social media age limit commands huge support – throughout the UK and across the Labour party. Social media is causing severe damage to children and we must act now to safeguard them.”
