What social media restrictions has Keir Starmer announced?

"Starmer has announced a consultation into setting a minimum age for social media. Before that consultation takes place, however, ministers will write a clause into the existing children's wellbeing and schools bill that will enable them to enforce a ban quickly, if that's what the consultation recommends. These so-called Henry VIII powers allow the government to use secondary legislation to enforce an age limit, rather than writing an entirely new bill."

"Downing Street said MPs and peers would be given a vote on whatever action is taken as a result of the consultation. A spokesperson for the prime minister could not say, however, whether either house would be given a full debate on the measures and the chance to amend them. Both houses will have to approve the secondary legislation which will deliver the policies, No 10 said."

Ministers will insert a clause into the children's wellbeing and schools bill to permit rapid enforcement of a minimum social media age through secondary legislation. The clause invokes Henry VIII powers so an age limit can be imposed without introducing a new bill. The move would accelerate implementation but raises concerns about reduced parliamentary scrutiny. The consultation will consider measures such as restricting infinite scrolling for under-16s and setting age limits on virtual private networks that can bypass online restrictions. Downing Street said MPs and peers would vote on any resulting action, and both houses must approve the secondary legislation.

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