Wes Streeting clashes with BBC Radio 4 presenter as he calls for under-16 social media ban

PoliticsTechnology
27 May 2026 • 12:27 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Wes Streeting clashes with BBC Radio 4 presenter as he calls for under-16 social media ban

Wes Streeting clashed with a BBC Radio 4 presenter after she questioned him on his push for an under-16s social media ban.

On Monday (25 May), the former health secretary likened “addictive” tech companies to the tobacco industry in his first intervention on the issue since he quit the Cabinet.

Discussing the issue further on the Today programme, host Anna Foster grilled Mr Streeting on why he only called for the full ban following his resignation. “Your words were not as strong as they are today,” she said.

The two clashed after Mr Streeting said he was now in a position to call for a ban after being “liberated from the obligations of collective responsibility”.

Newswav Malaysia Best News App

Newswav is an online content aggregator and obtains its content from different online sources. The content in the app do not belong to Newswav nor do they reflect the opinions of Newswav and its staff. Your use of this app indicates your understanding and acceptance of this information.

Newswav Sdn. Bhd. (201701008480 (1222645-M)) 2026 All Rights Reserved