Sir Keir Starmer is facing significant pressure from within his own party to commit to banning under-16s from social media platforms. More than 60 Labour MPs have signed a letter urging the Prime Minister to back such a measure, as peers prepare for a crucial vote on the issue this week.
Cross-Party Pressure Mounts on PM
The letter, organised by Plymouth Moor View MP Fred Thomas, has garnered support from figures across the Labour spectrum. Signatories include select committee chairs like Helen Hayes and Florence Eshalomi, former ministers such as Catherine McKinnell, and MPs from the party's left and right wings, including Richard Burgon and Jonathan Hinder.
In the correspondence, the MPs argue that children in their constituencies are suffering, stating they are "anxious, unhappy, and unable to focus on learning." They contend that the responsibility for preventing underage access should fall on technology companies, not parents, and advocate for a system similar to the one enacted in Australia, which came into force last December.
Starmer's Cautious Stance and Implementation Hurdles
While the Prime Minister has expressed openness to a ban in principle, he is understood to prefer a wait-and-see approach regarding the Australian model's effectiveness. Government figures have voiced concerns that a blunt ban could inadvertently drive young people towards less regulated, darker corners of the internet.
A source close to Starmer confirmed his general support but highlighted practical obstacles: "We can all see the dangers... But there are still big obstacles to overcome with implementation. We need to take our time and make sure we get this right." Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy echoed these cautions, referencing worries raised by the NSPCC.
Lords Vote and External Opposition
The political pressure will crystallise this week when the House of Lords votes on an amendment to the children, wellbeing and schools bill. Proposed by Conservative peer John Nash and co-signed by former Labour MP Luciana Berger, the amendment would force the government to enact an age limit within a year of the bill's passage.
Labour peers may defy party whips to support the move. However, the push for a ban faces notable external criticism. Ian Russell, the father of Molly Russell, who died after viewing harmful online content, has opposed what he termed "sledgehammer-like techniques like bans," arguing for more nuanced solutions.
The outcome of the Lords vote and the government's subsequent response will determine whether the UK follows the growing international trend, seen in countries like France and Norway, to legislate a higher age limit for social media access.
