Guardian UK Politics
‘Like tobacco’: Wes Streeting calls for partial social media ban for under-16s
Social media giants should face the same regulatory treatment as tobacco companies, former health secretary Wes Streeting has argued, backing a ban on under-16s accessing certain platforms. His intervention comes as the government closes its consultation on age restrictions, with Streeting warning that big tech firms are actively working to circumvent oversight. The comparison to tobacco signals a hardening political appetite for treating social media as a public health issue rather than a consumer choice.
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Rachel Reeves tells ministers to ‘buy British’ in four key industries
Rachel Reeves has directed cabinet ministers to prioritise British suppliers when awarding government contracts across shipbuilding, steel, energy, and AI — a direct signal that Whitehall has been too quick to send public money overseas. The chancellor's letter to spending department heads makes clear this is a deliberate shift in procurement culture, not merely guidance. The move reflects growing pressure on the government to leverage its purchasing power to support domestic industry amid sluggish economic growth.
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Scottish Parliament endorses SNP call for independence referendum
Scotland's devolved parliament has backed the SNP's push for a fresh independence referendum, with the motion marking the first order of business in the new parliamentary session. The vote signals the Scottish government's intent to make a second independence bid a defining priority of its mandate. The move sets the stage for a renewed constitutional standoff with Westminster, which retains the power to authorize any such vote.
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‘Social media should be treated like tobacco’: Streeting calls for under-16s ban on certain platforms
Wes Streeting has called for a ban on under-16s accessing certain social media platforms, comparing the industry's resistance to regulation with that of Big Tobacco. The former health secretary made his position public as the government closes its consultation on age limits for social media. His intervention signals growing political momentum for tougher restrictions, with tech companies accused of actively evading oversight.
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MSPs set to vote on plans for second independence referendum
Scotland's First Minister John Swinney is bringing a vote to Holyrood that would formally request Westminster transfer the powers needed to hold a second independence referendum. The move marks a significant escalation in the Scottish Government's push for a renewed mandate on separation from the UK. The outcome will signal whether parliamentary support for another vote remains intact amid shifting political pressures.
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