Samantha Niblett, the Labour Member of Parliament for South Derbyshire, is spearheading a bold initiative dubbed a 'summer of sex', urging Britons to shed feelings of shame and embrace a more open dialogue about sexual matters. The campaign, launched in collaboration with sextech entrepreneur Cindy Gallop, is titled 'Yes Sex Please, We're British!' and advocates for comprehensive, lifelong sex education across the United Kingdom.
Campaign Goals and Vision
Ms Niblett articulated that the primary aim of this movement is to remind individuals that sex should be viewed as a joyful and positive aspect of human experience. She emphasised the importance of taking control of British identity by fostering a culture where discussions about sexuality are not met with embarrassment or stigma. The MP stated, 'It's about taking control of our patriotism, about taking control of our Britishness, and not feeling ashamed.'
Educational Focus and Health Awareness
The campaign calls for better lifelong and inclusive sex education to enhance understanding of consent, thereby helping to prevent abuse and violence. Additionally, it seeks to raise awareness about how various life stages and health conditions, such as childbirth, menopause, and stress, can significantly impact sexual satisfaction. Ms Niblett highlighted that education should serve as the 'biggest tool' in addressing these issues, rather than relying solely on legal bans.
Personal Insights and Advocacy
In an open interview, the 46-year-old MP revealed that, like many people, she has viewed pornography, specifically mentioning the MakeLoveNotPorn website. This platform, founded by Cindy Gallop, aims to provide an alternative to hardcore pornography by featuring real people engaging in intimate, sensual sex. Ms Niblett described it as 'messy, funny, intimate, and sensual,' noting that such content can be a turn-on and aid in masturbation.
She also shared insights from a meeting with sex toy retailer Love Honey, learning that masturbation is not only pleasurable but also beneficial for health. As part of her campaign, Ms Niblett expressed hopes to bring sex toys into Parliament, though she is currently in discussions with security officials regarding permissible devices.
Critique of Current Sex Education
Reflecting on her own school experiences, Ms Niblett criticised the sex education she received as 'pretty medical,' focusing predominantly on what to avoid rather than promoting pleasure or positive aspects. She recalled, 'It was all focused on what you shouldn't do, not what you should do. Pleasure certainly didn't play a part in it.' She added that as a girl, concerns were primarily about sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancy, with little discussion on contraception.
Response to Government Policies
The Government recently agreed to ban so-called 'barely legal' pornography depicting sexual relationships between step-relatives. While Ms Niblett understands the rationale behind this move, she pointed out the challenges in implementation, given that step incest is not illegal in reality. She argued that while legal measures can be enforced, education remains a more effective approach to shaping attitudes and behaviours.
Personal Reflections and Future Plans
Ms Niblett clarified that her advocacy does not stem from being a 'massively empowered, sexually flamboyant person,' but rather from a desire to improve societal understanding. She aims to 'talk about sex all summer' through this campaign, promoting a healthier and more informed perspective on sexuality in the UK.
