Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill

Debate between Roger Gale and Laura Trott

Monday 27th April 2026 Commons Chamber

[Laura Trott]

As ever, the hon. Gentleman is correct. I am sure that will be picked up by the Minister in her closing remarks.

[Sir Roger Gale (Herne Bay and Sandwich) (Con)]

My right hon. Friend knows that I have been gravely concerned about this issue. I, too, commend her on a very hard-fought fight, but I remain concerned that we had a vehicle before us, in Lord Nash’s amendment, which would have dealt with the programme now—not in five, six, 10 or 12 months’ time. I hope very much that when the Minister replies she will confirm that it will be adhered to. If it is not, then this House will regard that as a matter of bad faith. I do not propose to vote against the Government tonight if my right hon. Friend has struck that agreement.

Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill

Debate between Roger Gale and Laura Trott

Wednesday 22nd April 2026 Commons Chamber

[Laura Trott]

There is a huge coalition of charities backing a ban. We have tried to police content online, and it has not worked, but we know that policing age will work and make a difference. This is urgent; there is no time for delay. Real harm is happening and children are dying. We must act, and a ban is the most effective way to do that.

[Sir Roger Gale]

Let me try again with the question that I put to the Minister. We have the opportunity today to carry a motion tabled in the other House that would introduce the ban. The can is being kicked down the road. We cannot have consultation indefinitely. The question on the consultation paper is not, “How do we do this?”, but, “Shall we do it?” That is not necessary—am I right?

[Laura Trott]

My right hon. Friend is absolutely right. Action this day—that is what is required, and that is what we are pushing for.