Sixty-plus Labour Lawmakers Call on Keir Starmer to Endorse Under-16-Year-Olds Ban on Social Media Access.

More than 60 Labour MPs have written directly to Keir Starmer, pressing him to support a proposed ban on social media access for those under 16, ahead of a crucial vote in the the upper chamber this week.

Cross-Party Pressure Mounts

The signatories, including senior MPs, past shadow ministers and members from the entire Labour spectrum, are seeking to increase the pressure on the prime minister. This follows growing calls for the UK to emulate the approach of the Australian government, which implemented a similar ban in December.

Although Starmer has said he remains receptive to a ban, legislators within the House of Lords are attempting to force the issue via an amendment to the Children, Wellbeing and Schools Bill. This amendment would require the introduction of a prohibition within a year of the bill becoming law.

“Throughout the communities we represent, we hear the same message: children are stressed and sad, and finding it hard to focus on learning. They are failing to develop the interpersonal skills needed to flourish.”

Worldwide Moves

The letter, coordinated by Labour MP Fred Thomas, adds that “Internationally, governments are recognising the severity of this crisis and implementing measures.” It highlights existing or pending legislation in nations like New Zealand, Greece, Denmark, France and Norway.

“We believe the onus must be shifted to technology platforms, not parents, to prevent access by minors,” the MPs write. “We would favour a model akin to Australia’s that compels companies to take significant action to enforce age limits.”

Implementation Concerns

This demonstration of support from MPs increases further focus on the Prime Minister. While he has previously expressed reservations about the effectiveness of a ban, he recently stated to MPs he was theoretically open to the proposal.

Nevertheless, recently, officials have emphasised worries that a ban could force children toward more dangerous parts of the internet. They maintain on the need to gather more data from the Australian policy before deciding on a UK version.

“On paper, Keir is for a ban. We can all see the harms and worry about what is happening to young people’s minds,” said a source close to Starmer. “But there are still big obstacles to overcome with execution. We need to proceed carefully and make sure we get this right.”

Upcoming Vote

The Prime Minister's stance will face a key test this week when peers vote on the amendment by Conservative peer John Nash. This amendment to the schools bill proposes setting an minimum age within a year the law is passed.

While the Labour leadership has not yet declared its stance on the amendment, multiple Labour peers are anticipated to support it despite any party whip.

Among them is former MP Luciana Berger, who has backed Lord Nash's amendment. She argued: “The plan for increasing the social media age limit commands huge support – throughout the UK and within the Labour party. Social media is catastrophically harming children and we must move swiftly to protect them.”