Keir Starmer will address tech chiefs as speculation mounts that a ban on social media for under-16s will be announced within days.
The Prime Minister is set to give a speech this morning warning that artificial intelligence (AI) must work for everyone and announcing new tools to help people find jobs.
He is also expected to make an announcement on online safety. Children’s commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza said: “We need action to address technology companies’ unfettered access to children, often through features designed in ways that increase harm.”
The government is also under pressure to order phone companies to roll out tech that prevents young people from taking, sending or receiving nude images. A growing number of children are at risk of sextortion, authorities warn – where they are pressured into taking intimate images and then blackmailed.
New UpdatesView PostView PostView PostToday09:12 BST
Britain is “uniquely placed to lead” on AI innovation, Mr Starmer said as he hailed the country’s industry.
He told the London Tech Week: “I mean, Britain is the third largest technology economy in the world. Our start ups have raised close to half of all European investment in tech this year.
“Now, just stop to reflect on that. Half of all European tech investment in this country. That’s a profound achievement and it belongs to so many people in this room.”
He went on: “Britain has every reason to be confident. We’re on the precipice of something truly extraordinary.”
Keir Starmer at London Tech Week(Image: Sky News)
The Prime Minister opens his speech by hailing the impact of a new data centre in Warrington.
“Now, when we talk about technology, it’s always tempting to jump straight to the future to think about what may or may not be just around the corner,” he said.
“But today, I want to start with what we do know with the stories being written across Britain right now. Stories like the one unfolding in Warrington.
“Now, you may not know this, but for centuries Warrington was at the forefront of Britain’s soap making industry and until a few years ago, a Unilever factory was its epicenter. Generations of local people work. Their families built their lives around it.
“And for over 130 years, the smell of soap from that factory was a familiar part of daily life. But then it closed. And for many people in the town, that factory became a symbol of a community left behind. But today, I’m pleased to tell you that story is changing.
“Because that factory is being transformed into a new AI data centre, bringing in new investment, new skilled jobs, and new opportunities for a generation growing up in Warrington today.”
Dave BurkeToday09:05 BST
The Molly Rose Foundation, set up in memory of Molly Russell, who died aged just 14, has issued a fresh warning against a social media ban.
Chief executive Andy Burrows said this morning: “It’s hugely concerning to see reports the Prime Minister will announce a rushed social media ban before the Makerfield by election.
“A ban will quickly unravel, make it harder for children to disclose harm, and isn’t supported by the evidence.
“Parents have been clear they want decisive action that will actually work. If Keir Starmer prioritises short term announcements instead of being guided by overwhelming evidence children and parents will be left to count the costs and child protection will take a step back.”
Dave BurkeToday08:53 BST
While no final decision has been made, Technology Secretary Liz Kendall gave the strongest indication yet that ministers are preparing to block millions of young people from using apps like TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram until they are 16.
Nine in 10 parents who responded to the Government’s online safety consultation demanded Australia-style age limits, she revealed, adding that a ban was “definitely on the table”.
In an interview with the Sunday Mirror, Ms Kendall said: “It’s been a really overwhelming response from parents, and I think parents are crying out for help and support. They know that there are some good things that kids can get from it [social media] but they are worried about what they’re seeing.
“They are worried about the impact of the doom-scrolling, they’re worried about their kids if they are on their phones until late at night. They are worried that even if they try and put in some rules for their children, and other kids aren’t, it’s really hard.”
Dave BurkeToday08:48 BST
It’s worth remember that not everyone is in favour of a ban on social media for kids.
Ian Russell, whose 14-year-old daughter tragically took her own life after viewing dangerous posts on sites like Instagram warns the step could end up costing more lives.
In a recent interview with The Mirror, he said Australia’s ban on children using social media was “unravelling” and does not address the deeper need for platforms to bring in safety measures.
And he added: “I have a hunch that Keir won’t chicken out, that he will stand up to the tech tyrants and that whether he’s Prime Minister at the next election or not, he will want to leave a legacy.
“And I think this is one of the things he might be working hard on so that people remember him as finally being the Prime Minister that delivered the online safety that we’re being promised by seven or eight previous Prime Ministers.”
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Ian Russell has warned that a social media ban for kids won’t be the answer many think it will(Image: PA)
There will be a lot of debate in the coming days about the impact of AI rollouts on jobs.
The TUC has welcomed initiatives on early careers support, skills and worker voice – and said promises of fairness must be followed up with concrete action.
The TUC wants the government to go further to secure a digital dividend for workers, enact pro-worker rights and regulations, invest in skills to support workers through the AI transition, and enable workers to actively shape the technology’s development and application.
TUC Assistant General Secretary Kate Bell said: “By acknowledging the importance of workers and their unions in AI adoption, the government is taking the tentative first steps towards a pro-worker AI agenda – but more concrete action is needed to make it a reality.
“Fair and effective AI adoption requires respecting the voice, rights and interests of workers. But for too many, AI has become a byword for surveillance, algorithmic pay cuts, and threats of unemployment. Most working people are not anti-AI, but they want an alternative to Big Tech extracting from us all while offering little in return. Today’s announcements on skills and early careers are a good start.
“We don’t yet know how AI and its impacts are going to play out. But the right approach today can help to shape this technology from the ground up. Give workers legal rights to decide how AI is rolled out at work, make sure they’re represented on boards, and take on vested interests to ensure working people get their fair share. That’s how the government can give workers a real stake in this technology and the wider economy.”
Dave BurkeToday08:27 BST
Describing the challenges of online safety for children, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said turning the clock back will not work.
She said: “Parents are trying to navigate challenges previous generations never faced, and they deserve clear, practical support they can trust.
“Some will argue the answer is to turn back the clock and return to a world of only pens and paper. I disagree. Used well, technology can open up opportunities for children with Send, personalise support and help more children succeed.
“We want every child to benefit from technology’s opportunities without sacrificing the things that matter most – their learning, their wellbeing and their childhood.”
Dave BurkeToday08:15 BST
The government is looking at evidence before deciding on a social media ban for children, skills minister Jacqui Smith has said.
She said proposals will be put forward before the summer recess in mid July – but refused to say what ministers will do. She told Sky News: “We set out in the spring, a consultation to which we’ve received 100,000 responses, as well as lots of engagement with ministers.
“Ministers are looking really carefully at that because we said at the time, look, this isn’t a question of whether we’re we will act on some of the concerns around social media use for young people. It’s what we should most appropriately do.
“So we’re looking at international evidence. We’re looking at what we’ve heard, both from young people and parents themselves, but also what the expert evidence tells us.
“We said and we legislated to say that on the basis of that consultation, we would take action. we’ll bring forward proposals before the summer recess, and we’ll take action before the end of the year.”
Dave BurkeToday08:03 BST
A woman who was blackmailed after being pressured to send an explicit photo when she was just 13 has pleaded for software to protect kids to be compulsory on phones.
Roxy Longworth almost didn’t survive her teenage years as her mental health spiralled after the image was shared around her school. Her friends shunned her, she suffered horrendous abuse and blamed herself in spite of the coercion that led to her sending it.
Roxy was put on suicide watch after the guilt and shame she felt led her to start self-harming. A decade later, she warned many more young people are going through the same ordeal as pressure to send nude photos is becoming more commonplace.
She called on the Government to force phone manufacturers to roll out new tech that prevents children from taking, sharing and receiving explicit photos. Despite such software being available, there is currently no legal requirement for it to be installed on kids’ devices.
Roxy, 23, told The Mirror: “I feel like I’m one of the lucky ones because I’m still alive. My mum reminds me often that that was very touch and go. I survived it, but lots of people don’t. And I think that’s even worse when there’s this technology out there that could be protecting them.
“It’s so easy to debate about whether or not these things should be put in place. And then you forget that kids are in their bedroom thinking their life is over.”
Dave BurkeToday08:00 BST
Keir Starmer will unveil “Jobcentre in your pocket” AI tools to get people into work.
In a speech on Monday the Prime Minister will promise to make new tech work for everyone, and not just the privileged few. Mr Starmer will announce a new AI assistant, designed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to provide 24/7 guidance for people seeking work.
This will include help building CVs, and offer advice on finding a job or progressing careers. It comes after grim figures showed more than a million young people aged 16 to 24 are not in education, employment or training (Neet) – with experts warning the situation could get worse. Ahead of his speech, made Mr Starmer said: “No-one doubts the huge potential of tech to change lives. But we have to decide who that change is for.
“This Government’s choice is clear: the tech revolution must work for everyone, not just a privileged few. We’re backing British businesses to lead the way, driving growth and investment that turns into more jobs and stronger communities.
“And we’re using tech to bring opportunity to every corner of the country – helping people into work, tackling inequalities, boosting skills and building a fairer future.”
Describing the tools, which will be launched as a three month trial, No10 said in a statement: “These will act as a ‘Jobcentre in your pocket’, providing personalised job and career advice.”