Why is the UK launching an ‘Australia plus’ social media ban and how will it work? 14. June 2026 (17:39) Government wants to back parents against tech companies though some feel the process has been rushedKeir Starmer is expected to announce sweeping “Australia-plus” restrictions on under-16s accessing harmful social media apps, a move the government has framed as taking the side of parents against the big technology companies.A consultation on online safety closed on 26 May, giving ministers just weeks to come up with policies after receiving more than 116,000 responses. Industry sources and child safety advocates have described the process as “rushed” and driven by a political timeline. It is not clear when the ban could come into force. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Starmer to announce ‘Australia plus’ ban on social media for under-16s 14. June 2026 (17:05) Sources say hardline measures will also prevent young users from being able to talk to strangers on gaming appsWhy is the UK launching an ‘Australia plus’ social media ban and how will it work?Keir Starmer will ban under-16s from major social media apps such as TikTok, Instagram and X in sweeping restrictions described as “Australia plus”, the Guardian understands.Teenagers will be banned from all the main social platforms, and online products that are not covered by the ban – such as gaming apps – will face new restrictions such as having the option to chat to strangers removed. There will also be restrictions for older teenagers up to the age of 18 that prevent “scrolling” late at night – after 8.30pm. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Ministers could give billions raised by business rates to England’s regions 14. June 2026 (17:00) Exclusive: devolving tax is part of plans to give local areas more power in areas including justice, health and educationMinisters are considering handing over billions of pounds raised by business rates to regional mayors as part of one of the biggest shake-ups of the English tax system in recent years.Steve Reed, the local government secretary, said the government was working on plans to devolve the tax, which has been the subject of recent protests by pubs and other hospitality businesses. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Democrats’ predicament with Graham Platner is one of the party’s own making 14. June 2026 (16:53) Platner’s long road ahead shows how Democrats may have fumbled the bag in MaineThe Democratic establishment’s early bet on Janet Mills, as its best hope to pick up a coveted Senate seat in Maine, now looks like a clear miscalculation – one that has left the party boxed into a far riskier general election fight than it ever anticipated. By rallying behind the septuagenarian governor, and sidelining Graham Platner for months, party leaders helped create the very predicament they face.Platner’s primary victory on Tuesday now means the closely-watched race will be a test of fortitude for Democrats in the long road to November. One where either outcome has wide-ranging implications for the party. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
