Published: 04 August 2025. The English Chronicle Desk
In a heated political exchange, safeguarding minister Jess Phillips has accused Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, of valuing “clicks for his monetised social media accounts” above the welfare of children. This accusation comes in the wake of Farage’s recent criticism of the newly implemented Online Safety Act, which he described as “state suppression of genuine free speech.” Farage also vowed that his party would seek to repeal the regulations.
The Online Safety Act, which came into force on July 25, introduces significant new protections aimed at shielding children from harmful content online. These measures include mandatory age verification for adult websites and the requirement for algorithms to prevent children from being exposed to inappropriate material.
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle strongly defended the legislation and those supporting it, controversially stating that opponents were “on the side of predators” such as the disgraced Jimmy Savile. Farage condemned Kyle’s remarks as “absolutely disgusting” and demanded a public apology, which Kyle has refused to issue.
Ms. Phillips stood firmly behind Kyle’s comments, emphasizing the urgent need for “stronger safeguards” to protect vulnerable children. She highlighted recent police investigations that exposed paedophile networks exploiting popular websites that parents often assume are safe.
Furthermore, Phillips drew attention to the troubling rise in cases where children themselves are perpetrators, noting that half of the recorded child sex offenses last year—where the offender’s age was known—were committed by 10 to 17-year-olds.
Reflecting on this disturbing trend, Phillips wrote, “We need to ask, why are so many teenage boys now abusing their fellow children? Perhaps Nigel Farage doesn’t worry about that—there’s no political advantage in it, and no clicks for his monetised social media accounts. But I do.”
In response, a Reform UK source dismissed Phillips’ comments as “idiotic statements,” accusing Labour of embarrassing itself.
As the debate over online safety continues, the tension between protecting free speech and ensuring children’s security online remains a contentious and politically charged issue.
