UK ministers launch consultation on whether to ban social media for under-16s

19 janvier 2026 à 23:30

Move comes as peers prepare to vote on an amendment to a bill that would enact a ban within a year of the bill passing

Ministers have launched a consultation into whether to ban under-16s from using social media as part of a package of measures designed to curb mobile phone use among young people.

Liz Kendall, the technology secretary, announced the consultation on Monday as the government responds to mounting pressure for stricter curbs on social media use for younger teenagers. On Monday afternoon, Esther Ghey, the mother of the murdered teenager Brianna Ghey, became the latest high profile figure to add her name to those in support of a ban.

More than 60 Labour MPs urge Starmer to back under-16s social media ban

The Guardian

Par :Kiran Stacey and Pippa Crerar

18 janvier 2026 à 16:00

Exclusive: Letter signed by figures on right and left of party says UK should follow Australia’s example by enacting ban

More than 60 Labour MPs have written to Keir Starmer urging him to back a social media ban for under-16s, with peers due to vote on the issue this week.

The MPs, who include select committee chairs, former frontbenchers and MPs from the right and left of the party, are looking to put pressure on the prime minister as calls mount for the UK to follow Australia’s precedent.

Tory ‘arsonists’ still in charge of party, says Jenrick as he hits back at Badenoch

The Guardian

Par :Kiran Stacey Policy editor

16 janvier 2026 à 14:45

Former Conservative minister who has joined Reform responds to allegations of lying from his former leader

UK politics live – latest updates

The “arsonists” who tanked the reputation of the Conservatives are still in charge of the party, Robert Jenrick has said as he and the Tory leader, Kemi Badenoch, trade blows a day after his dramatic defection to Reform UK.

Giving his first interview since his announcement on Thursday, the former shadow justice secretary said the Conservatives had not changed since the election, while defending himself against allegations of lying from his former party leader.

Vue lecture