Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government why there is a lower age limit of 18 on members of the public allowed to ask a question at the daily coronavirus briefing.

We are mindful of the value of young people being able to contribute their views on policy matters, including those relating to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, members of the public who ask questions, particularly those filmed, are placed in the public eye to a significant extent on television, and are subsequently subject to comment on social media.

There are practical issues with children being subjected to such scrutiny, without parental consent and involvement. As it stands, parents and carers can ask questions on behalf of under-18s as a way for them to raise issues in the daily press conferences.

The Government continues to actively consider alternative options for under-18s to submit questions to ministers. For example, the Prime Minister met with students aged 10 – 11 on Friday 19 June to answer their questions on coronavirus and returning to school.