Business of the House

Tom Gordon Excerpts

Thursday 2nd July 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I thank my hon. Friend for raising this important case, and share his horror at this horrific attack—our thoughts remain with Harshita’s friends and family, and I understand the strength of feeling about this case. As my hon. Friend points out, there is an ongoing investigation, but I understand that the Home Office will be writing to him soon to address his concerns. Should he want a further meeting with Home Office representatives, I am sure they would be happy to arrange it.

[Tom Gordon (Harrogate and Knaresborough) (LD)]

Yesterday, over 50 parliamentarians from across this House and their Ukrainian counterparts wrote to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport about “Masha and the Bear”, a Russian cartoon series in which the militarisation of children and a distinct lack of regard for boundaries are key themes. It is currently streamed to British children on Netflix and ITVX; it is produced by a Russian studio paying tax to the Russian state, and has been labelled an instrument of Russian soft power by the Ukrainian Centre for Countering Disinformation. Does the Leader of the House agree that British children should not be an audience for content with these propaganda concerns, and will he ask the Secretary of State for DCMS to make a statement on what the Government intend to do about it?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I share concerns if children are being bombarded with propaganda, because that would be highly inappropriate, and the hon. Gentleman is absolutely right to raise those concerns. I will take them up with the Secretary of State for DCMS and get an update on what the Government intend to do, and can do, about this matter.