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A coalition of 60 Labour MPs have penned a letter to the Prime Minister, urging him to support a potential ban on social media access for those under 16, with a key vote in the the upper chamber this week.

Widespread Support Emerges

The signatories, who include select committee chairs, former frontbenchers and members from the entire Labour spectrum, are looking to increase the pressure on the prime minister. This amid growing calls for the UK to emulate the approach of Australia, which enacted a comparable prohibition last December.

Although Starmer has said he remains considering the policy, peers in the House of Lords are attempting to bring the matter to a head through an legislative addition to the current schools bill. This amendment would mandate the enactment of a ban within a year of the legislation passing.

“Across our constituencies, we are told the same story: children are worried and distressed, and finding it hard to focus on learning. They are failing to develop the interpersonal skills needed to succeed.”

Global Precedent

The communication, spearheaded by Labour MP Fred Thomas, further argues that “Globally, governments are acknowledging the seriousness of this issue and acting.” It notes existing or pending legislation in countries like Denmark, France, Norway, New Zealand and Greece.

“We believe the responsibility must be placed on technology platforms, not parents, to block underage access,” the MPs write. “We would back a framework similar to Australia’s that compels companies to take meaningful steps to uphold age limits.”

Policy Challenges

This show of strength in the Commons increases further pressure on the Prime Minister. While he has previously expressed reservations about the practicality of a ban, he recently informed MPs he was theoretically open to the concept.

Yet, recently, government figures have highlighted concerns that a ban could push children toward less-regulated online spaces. They have insisted on the need to see more evidence from the rollout in Australia before enacting a UK version.

“Theoretically, Keir is supportive of a ban. We can all see the dangers and are concerned about what is happening to young people’s minds,” said a source close to Starmer. “But there are still significant hurdles to overcome with putting it into practice. We need to proceed carefully and make sure we do this properly.”

Lords Showdown

The Prime Minister's position will face a direct test this week when peers vote on the amendment by Conservative peer John Nash. This amendment to the children's wellbeing bill proposes setting an age limit within a year the bill's passage.

Although the Labour leadership has not stated its official position on the amendment, several Labour peers are anticipated to support it irrespective of any instructions from whips.

Among them is former MP Luciana Berger, who has backed Lord Nash's amendment. She commented: “The proposal for raising the social media age limit has widespread backing – throughout the UK and within the Labour party. Social media is profoundly hurting children and we must move swiftly to safeguard them.”