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More than 60 Labour MPs have penned a letter to Keir Starmer, urging him to support a suggested prohibition on social media access for children under 16, ahead of a key vote in the the upper chamber this week.

Broad Appeal Grows

The signatories, who include senior MPs, ex-ministers and members from the entire Labour spectrum, are seeking to ramp up pressure on the prime minister. This follows increasing demands for the UK to emulate the approach of Australia, which enacted a parallel restriction in December.

Although Starmer has stated he is considering the policy, members of the House of Lords are attempting to force the issue through an proposed change to the Children, Wellbeing and Schools Bill. This amendment would mandate the implementation of a prohibition within 12 months of the bill becoming law.

“Across our constituencies, we are told the same story: children are worried and distressed, and unable to focus on learning. They are lacking the social skills needed to flourish.”

International Action

The letter, which was organised by Labour MP Fred Thomas, also states that “Globally, governments are accepting the severity of this problem and acting.” It notes implemented or proposed legislation in countries like Denmark, France, Norway, New Zealand and Greece.

“We believe the burden must be assigned to technology platforms, not parents, to prevent underage access,” the MPs state. “We would favour a system like Australia’s that obligates companies to take meaningful steps to enforce age limits.”

Implementation Concerns

This weight of parliamentary backing in the Commons adds further scrutiny on the Prime Minister. Although he has earlier voiced doubts about the effectiveness of a ban, he recently told MPs he was receptive in theory to the idea.

However, in recent days, administration sources have emphasised concerns that a ban could force children toward the dark web. They have insisted on the need to gather more data from the rollout in Australia before committing to a UK version.

“In principle, Keir is supportive of a ban. We can all see the harms and worry about what is happening to children and teenagers,” said a source close to Starmer. “But there are still major challenges to overcome with execution. We need to take our time and make sure we get this right.”

Upcoming Vote

The Prime Minister's stance will face a practical test this week when peers vote on the proposed change by Conservative peer John Nash. This amendment to the schools bill proposes enacting an minimum age within 12 months 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 instructions from whips.

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