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A group of 60 members of the Labour Party have sent a joint letter to Keir Starmer, calling on him to support a proposed ban on social media access for under-16s, with a crucial vote in the the Lords this week.

Cross-Party Appeal Grows

The signatories, including senior MPs, past shadow ministers and figures from across the party's spectrum, are looking to apply pressure on the government. This amid increasing demands for the UK to follow the lead of Australia, which enacted a parallel restriction last December.

While Starmer has said he remains receptive to a ban, members of the House of Lords are looking to accelerate the process by means of an proposed change to the Children, Wellbeing and Schools Bill. This amendment would require the enactment of a ban within a year of the legislation passing.

“Throughout the communities we represent, we are told the same story: children are worried and distressed, and unable to focus on learning. They are failing to develop the necessary skills needed to thrive.”

International Action

The missive, coordinated by Labour MP Fred Thomas, also states that “Around the world, governments are recognising the seriousness of this crisis and taking action.” It highlights existing or pending legislation in countries like New Zealand, Greece, Denmark, France and Norway.

“We believe the responsibility must be placed on technology platforms, not parents, to block underage access,” the MPs write. “We would favour a framework like Australia’s that requires companies to take significant action to uphold age limits.”

Implementation Concerns

This weight of parliamentary backing in the Commons places further scrutiny on the Prime Minister. Although he has previously expressed reservations about the effectiveness of a ban, he recently told MPs he was open in principle to the concept.

Yet, recently, officials have highlighted worries that a ban could force children toward less-regulated online spaces. They maintain on the need to see more evidence from the Australian experiment before committing to a UK version.

“In principle, Keir is supportive of a ban. We can all see the dangers and are concerned about what is happening to the mental health of the young,” stated an associate. “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.”

Upcoming Vote

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

While the Labour leadership has not yet declared its official position on the amendment, a number of Labour peers are expected to support it irrespective of any party whip.

Among them is former MP Luciana Berger, who has co-signed Lord Nash's amendment. She commented: “The proposal for increasing the social media age limit commands huge support – across the country and inside the Labour party. Social media is causing severe damage to children and we must take immediate action to protect them.”