The Prime Minister faced a major defeat by peers over issue championed by the Conservatives.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. (Image: Getty)
Sir Keir Starmer suffered a humiliating defeat in the Lords last night over a social media ban for under-16s. In a heavy Government defeat, peers supported the move by 261 votes to 150, a majority of 111.
It means a ban – which Tory leader Kemi Badenoch is pushing for – will have to be considered by MPs in the Commons. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall announced a three-month consultation this week, following growing calls from campaigners and Opposition MPs.
However, Tory former schools minister Lord Nash argued that the late concession was simply more delay.
He said: “The Government’s consultation is, in my view, unnecessary, misconceived and clearly a last-minute attempt to kick this can down the road.”
Proposing an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, the Conservative peer told the upper chamber: “Many teenagers are spending long hours – five, six, seven or more a day – on social media.
“The evidence is now overwhelming as to the damage that this is causing.
“We have long passed the point of correlation or causation. There is now so much evidence from across the world that it is clear that by every measure, health, cognitive ability, educational attainment, crime, economic productivity, children are being harmed.”
He added: “This is going to happen. The only question is when. We have the opportunity to do it now in this Bill, and every day which passes, more damage is being done to children. We must act now.”
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has been pushing for a social media ban for under-16s (Image: Getty)
Responding to the debate, education minister Baroness Smith of Malvern said: “We know many in this House and the other place have concerns around children’s online safety, how much screen time they get, and how this can impact wellbeing.
“Rest assured, the Government hears those concerns, and we are prepared to act to deal with them.”
She added: “It is clear that there are, there is a range of different views on the action that we need to take, even as there is a consensus that action is needed.”
Speaking after the vote, Lord Nash said: “Tonight, peers put our children’s future first.
“This vote begins the process of stopping the catastrophic harm that social media is inflicting on a generation.”
Changes made by peers to the Bill will be considered by MPs during the ping-pong process, when legislation is batted between the Commons and the Lords until agreement is reached.
A Government spokesperson said: “We will take action to give children a healthier relationship with mobile phones and social media.
“It is important we get this right, which is why we have launched a consultation and will work with experts, parents and young people to ensure we take the best approach, based on evidence.”
