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A coalition of 60 Labour MPs have penned a letter to Keir Starmer, urging him to champion a suggested prohibition on social media access for children under 16, with a parliamentary vote in the the Lords this week.

Widespread Appeal Grows

The lawmakers, who include senior MPs, past shadow ministers and figures from both the left and right of the party, are seeking to increase the pressure on the administration. This follows mounting pressure for the UK to follow the lead of the Australian government, which introduced a comparable prohibition in December.

While Starmer has indicated he is receptive to a ban, peers in the House of Lords are seeking to bring the matter to a head through an legislative addition to the current schools bill. This amendment would mandate the introduction of a ban one year of the legislation passing.

“Throughout the communities we represent, we encounter the same concerns: children are stressed and sad, and struggling to concentrate on learning. They are lacking the social skills needed to flourish.”

Worldwide Moves

The letter, which was organised by Labour MP Fred Thomas, adds that “Globally, governments are accepting the severity of this crisis and implementing measures.” It notes existing or pending legislation in nations like France, Norway, New Zealand, Greece and Denmark.

“We believe the onus must be placed on technology platforms, not parents, to prevent children from accessing their sites,” the MPs argue. “We would favour a system similar to Australia’s that compels companies to take meaningful steps to uphold age limits.”

Practical Hurdles

This demonstration of support from MPs places further pressure on the Prime Minister. While he has earlier voiced reservations about the practicality of a ban, he recently stated to MPs he was open in principle to the idea.

However, over the past few days, government figures have highlighted concerns that a ban could push children toward more dangerous parts of the internet. They argue on the need to assess further information from the Australian policy before enacting a UK version.

“In principle, Keir is supportive of a ban. We can all see the dangers and worry about what is happening to young people’s minds,” stated an associate. “But there are still major challenges to overcome with putting it into practice. We need to move cautiously and make sure we implement it correctly.”

Lords Showdown

The Prime Minister's position will face a direct test this week when lords vote on the proposed change by Conservative peer John Nash. This amendment to the children's wellbeing bill proposes enacting an age limit one year after the law is passed.

While the Labour leadership has not announced its official position on the amendment, multiple Labour peers are likely to support it regardless of any instructions from whips.

Among them is former MP Luciana Berger, who has co-signed Lord Nash's amendment. She stated: “The proposal for raising the social media age limit has huge support – nationally and across the Labour party. Social media is causing severe damage to children and we must act now to safeguard them.”