BBC Breakfast aired an important announcement during the latest live show, featuring Sir Keir Starmer's address from Downing Street. Hosts Jon Kay and Sally Nugent were in the Salford studio on Monday (June 15) to deliver the biggest headlines across the UK and worldwide.
Emotional Parents React to Prime Minister's Announcement
Later in the programme, Jon and Sally were joined by a group of parents who had lost their children due to the harmful effects of social media. The parents were left tearful and very emotional ahead of the Prime Minister's announcement about a social media ban.
Becoming emotional live on air, Ellen Roome said: "I think all of us feel a bit wobbly," as she was supported by two other bereaved mothers. The broadcast soon cut to Downing Street, as Keir Starmer began his address to the nation.
Prime Minister's Announcement
A breaking news banner appeared on screen as Starmer announced: "Today is a big moment for our country. This is a big step. Real change for our children and our future, because today, I can announce that the government will ban access to social media for all children under the age of 16," with the room erupting into applause.
The Prime Minister continued: "This is not something I do lightly, and I will not present it as cost-free, as if social media has brought no benefits to young people, because clearly that is wrong. But government is always about choices, and it's clear to me that a full ban is the right choice. I come to it as a parent myself, I know exactly the fears that we all feel when we are thinking about this issue."
Before moving on to questions, Keir Starmer said: "I want this message to be heard loud and clear. I am not prepared to compromise on the safety and happiness of our children, and that is why this ban must happen, and why this ban will happen." He noted it won't be easy and that some tech companies want people to think things are unchangeable. Starmer confirmed that powers have been taken to ensure the government can move at speed.
"We hope to pass regulation before Christmas," he shared, adding that the ban will come into place early next year.
Parents' Reaction
Back in the studio, Sally and Jon spoke to the group of parents, who were left emotional after hearing the news. Ellen said: "Fantastic. To actually hear him step up and do this was phenomenal. I thought it was a very good speech, it was very powerful. The devil's going to be in the detail of how this actually happens, but I think, yeah, well done. Thank you."
Another parent, Mariano Janin, added: "Emotional, speechless. I think it's a change in the right direction. It will not be easy, but it will be possible."
BBC Breakfast airs daily on BBC One at 6am.
