Fred Thomas MP: speeches 2026

Speeches

• 21 Jan 2026 · Engagements · Hansard source

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  Q13. I strongly welcome the Government’s decision to consult on introducing a social media ban for under-16s. That is something that the Tories did not do in office and did not even support until last week. The average 12-year-old spends 29 hours a week on a smartphone, with more than 500 children a day being referred to mental health services for anxiety. Those stats are not unrelated; parents, teachers and Members across these Benches can see the damage that social media is doing to our young, developing minds every single day. Does the Prime Minister agree that the scale of harm demands swift action and that this consultation must lead to timely decisions?

• 13 Jan 2026 · Iran · Hansard source

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  Reform Members should note that the Iranian regime, which they have decided to be against, very much supports their Russian friends with the Shahed drone. I welcome the news that we are working with allies to discuss using Starlink to overcome some of the communication barriers. The British-Iranian community are trying to donate to people back in Iran, but they cannot do so because of sanctions. Can you assure me and the House that you are looking at the specific issue of how the British-Iranian community can donate back to Iran?