Labour MPs anticipate 'politically inept' U-turn on social media ban

Labour MPs anticipate 'politically inept' U-turn on social media ban The government has been reluctant to support a ban but it is facing pressure from both its own MPs and the Conservatives. Friday 16 January 2026 01:43, UK Labour MPs expect a "politically inept" U-turn from the government on banning social media for under-16s amid Conservative plans to force a vote on the issue. Dozens of Labour MPs are pushing ministers to adopt an Australia-style ban, Sky News has been told. Politics Live : Sacked Tory defector Robert Jenrick speaks at Reform event Many expect the government will move on the issue, following pressure from the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) and the Opposition. The Conservatives have pledged to ban social media for under-16s and on Thursday tabled an amendment to the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which would regulate social media platforms "to use highly-effective age assurance measures to prevent children under 16 from accessing services". This amendment is expected to be voted on in the House of Lords on Monday when the bill begins its report stage in the upper chamber. It has cross-party support, including the backing of former Labour MP turned peer Luciana Berger. If passed, that provides a way for it to be debated in the Commons. One Labour MP told Sky News there was "no way" the government could whip the PLP against, claiming a majority are in favour of the ban and Number 10 will want to avoid another welfare-style rebellion. They said they expect the government to back a ban but lamented the "political ineptitude" of being on the backfoot to Conservatives on this issue. Other MPs told Sky News that dozens of backbenchers are pushing the government to move to a ban and they don't think it will come to a rebellion as "the government will do it". Some MPs are pushing for the government to table its own amendment that they can get behind, which would promise to at least consult on an Australia-style ban. But another MP said they were "sick of consultations" and the government should just get on with it. Many Labour MPs have been vocal in calling for a ban, as well as Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham - who many expect could launch a leadership challenge against Sir Keir Starmer in the future. Fred Thomas, the Labour MP for Plymouth Moor View, told Sky News: "MPs across the political spectrum recognise the harm that social media is causing to our young people. "Children are spending sleepless nights glued to addictive platforms, feeding them harmful content. "We know that the recent explosion in mental illness among young people is correlated to excessive social media use, and it's time for action. "I know the government are looking closely at what is happening in Australia, where tech companies have to prevent under-16s from accessing social media. I very much hope we will see a similar model implemented here." York Outer MP Luke Charters said: "It's totally right that we...

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