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More than 60 Labour parliamentarians have penned a letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, calling on him to back a potential ban on social media access for children under 16, prior to a parliamentary vote in the House of Lords this week.

Cross-Party Pressure Mounts

The signatories, including committee heads, former frontbenchers and figures from the entire Labour spectrum, are looking to ramp up pressure on the prime minister. This comes as growing calls for the UK to emulate the approach of Australia, which implemented a parallel restriction recently.

Although Starmer has stated he is open to the idea, legislators within the House of Lords are looking to force the issue by means of an proposed change to the current schools bill. This amendment would force the introduction of a age restriction within a year of the legislation passing.

“Throughout the communities we represent, we are told the same story: children are stressed and sad, and struggling to concentrate on learning. They are not building the necessary skills needed to flourish.”

International Action

The missive, which was organised by Labour MP Fred Thomas, further argues that “Internationally, governments are recognising the seriousness of this crisis and taking action.” It points to implemented or proposed legislation in nations like New Zealand, Greece, Denmark, France and Norway.

“We believe the responsibility must be placed on technology platforms, not parents, to block access by minors,” the MPs argue. “We would favour a model like Australia’s that requires companies to take concrete measures to apply age limits.”

Implementation Concerns

This show of strength within the lower house places further pressure on the Prime Minister. Although he has earlier voiced scepticism about the workability of a ban, he recently informed MPs he was open in principle to the idea.

Nevertheless, in recent days, officials have stressed concerns that a ban could push children toward more dangerous parts of the internet. They argue on the need to gather more data from the rollout in Australia before committing to a UK version.

“On paper, Keir is for a ban. We can all see the dangers and are concerned about what is happening to the mental health of the young,” commented an insider. “But there are still major challenges to overcome with putting it into practice. We need to take our time and make sure we implement it correctly.”

Lords Showdown

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 setting an age limit within a year the act is approved.

Although the Labour leadership has not stated its stance on the amendment, a number of Labour peers are expected to support it regardless of any party whip.

Among them is former MP Luciana Berger, who has supported Lord Nash's amendment. She commented: “The plan for raising the social media age limit commands huge support – throughout the UK and across the Labour party. Social media is causing severe damage to children and we must take immediate action to shield them.”