UK Parliament / Open data

Online Safety Bill

Proceeding contribution from Richard Burgon (Labour) in the House of Commons on Tuesday, 12 September 2023. It occurred during Debate on bills on Online Safety Bill.

I thank the hon. Gentleman for his intervention. It is important that the Government have announced a strategy: it is part and parcel of the ongoing work that is so necessary when we consider the prevalence of suicide as the leading cause of death among young men and women. It is a scourge across society. People should not make the mistake of thinking that the internet merely showcases awful things. The internet has been used as a tool by exploitative and sometimes disturbed individuals to create more misery and more instances of awful things happening, and to lead others down a dangerous path that sometimes ends, sadly, in them taking their own lives.

I thank the Minister for his engagement with my constituents, and the shadow Minister for what she has done. I also thank Baroness Kidron, Baroness Morgan and hon. Members who have engaged with this issue. I urge the Government to see the Bill not as the end when it comes to tackling dangerous online content related to suicide and self-harm, but as part of an important ongoing journey that we all work on together.

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
737 cc824-5 
Session
2022-23
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
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