Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Kit Malthouse and Baroness May of Maidenhead

Wednesday 15th November 2017 Commons Chamber

[The Prime Minister]

The hon. Lady is right to say that I spoke on Monday about the issue of Russian interference in elections, which has taken place in a number of countries in Europe—[Interruption.] It is all very well for Labour Members to point at the Foreign Secretary. He made a specific point about what was happening in the United Kingdom, and if they cared to look at the speech I gave on Monday they will see that the examples I gave of Russian interference were not in the United Kingdom. The hon. Lady raises the issue of the Intelligence and Security Committee, which is being established today.

[Kit Malthouse (North West Hampshire) (Con)]

Q12. The harmful aspects of the internet are now causing a series of social policy emergencies, particularly among young people. Parents across the country will welcome the engagement of the Home Secretary with the industry on these issues, but will the Prime Minister tell us when we can expect legislation with real teeth that recognises our children only have one chance at childhood?

[The Prime Minister]

I know that my hon. Friend takes a particular interest in this issue and in ensuring we are giving support, security and safety for young people on the internet, which is, as he says, so necessary. We are considering a range of options on this issue. Last month, we published our internet safety strategy. We are consulting on a number of measures, such as a social media code of practice, a social media levy and transparency reporting, but we need to take action to protect internet users, especially young people. That includes considering a sanctions regime to ensure compliance, as we set out in our party manifesto.