Contributions
948 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDMobile Phones and Social Media: Use by ChildrenThe hon. Gentleman knows what I think about why we have to do a consultation, so I disagree with him on that, but he is right to say that we should not let perfection be the enemy…20 Jan 2026HANSARDMobile Phones and Social Media: Use by ChildrenI want to hear the views and the voices of the good people of Kent on this, whether that means having a separate meeting with my hon. Friend, or his sending me that information,…20 Jan 2026HANSARDMobile Phones and Social Media: Use by ChildrenI have set out the Government’s position on this. I know that the hon. Lady wants us to go further, and I hear what she says. This is a really important point. Several friends…20 Jan 2026HANSARDMobile Phones and Social Media: Use by ChildrenHow can I resist?20 Jan 2026HANSARDMobile Phones and Social Media: Use by ChildrenDeeds, not words—I have always believed that. I want to prepare for all options, because when we make a decision, we want to implement it as soon as possible.20 Jan 2026HANSARDMobile Phones and Social Media: Use by ChildrenYou have taken the words right out of my mouth, Mr Speaker. Finally, the hon. Lady asked about my personal position. I believe it is right and responsible to act swiftly, but to…20 Jan 2026HANSARDMobile Phones and Social Media: Use by ChildrenMy right hon. Friend the Education Secretary is leading on the guidance on screen time. I will definitely raise that issue with her. My primary schools are extremely worried about…20 Jan 2026HANSARDMobile Phones and Social Media: Use by ChildrenThe hon. Gentleman knows that I have set out that we will consult on the age of 16, but I remind the House that the Online Safety Act has very strong provisions against illegal…20 Jan 2026HANSARDMobile Phones and Social Media: Use by ChildrenThis is very much about keeping children safe online. I have said that we will look at raising the digital age of consent, the positive impact that could have on how companies use…20 Jan 2026HANSARDMobile Phones and Social Media: Use by ChildrenIt is partly about having the consultation, in conjunction with the wider action that we are taking. Next week will be the anniversary of the AI opportunities action plan, and we…20 Jan 2026HANSARDMobile Phones and Social Media: Use by ChildrenThe Government as a whole are determined to stick up for British values and British law. I am proud that we did that last week, and we will continue to do so. I absolutely commit…20 Jan 2026HANSARDMobile Phones and Social Media: Use by ChildrenMy hon. Friend will know that I have already said that I have looked seriously at the issue of AI chatbots. Those that use live search and those that share user-to-user content…20 Jan 2026HANSARDMobile Phones and Social Media: Use by ChildrenWe are including the option of a ban for those under 16; that will be clear. We will propose raising the digital age of consent and we will look at the other issues I listed in my…20 Jan 2026HANSARDMobile Phones and Social Media: Use by ChildrenTo govern is indeed to choose, and we showed our determination to do so last week. We will choose on this issue, but I want people’s views to be heard. Sometimes, we need to try…20 Jan 2026HANSARDMobile Phones and Social Media: Use by ChildrenI thank my hon. Friend for his question. We have taken steps; the Online Safety Act is a really important step forward. Ever since that became law we have taken further action on…20 Jan 2026HANSARDMobile Phones and Social Media: Use by ChildrenWe will act as swiftly as possible. I am extremely keen to hear from medical professionals—I received a letter from the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges on this issue—and we will…20 Jan 2026HANSARDMobile Phones and Social Media: Use by ChildrenOnce again, my hon. Friend shows the courage of her convictions and the experience she brings to this House. I know her life in fashion has been crucially shaped by the online…20 Jan 2026HANSARDMobile Phones and Social Media: Use by ChildrenI thank the hon. Gentleman for his statement.20 Jan 2026HANSARDMobile Phones and Social Media: Use by ChildrenYes, we absolutely want independent experts to feed in their views. My career started out in the world of public health at the King’s Fund, and thinking about this issue in a…20 Jan 2026HANSARDMobile Phones and Social Media: Use by ChildrenI recognise those points and want to work closely with the Welsh Government on all these issues.20 Jan 2026