Speaker: Bad social media bosses are not taking responsibility

[00:00:00]Just reflecting back on 10 years ago, Jo Cox's death and of course the Brexit referendum. People thought then that the country couldn't get any more divided, but are you You know, you've said that the safety of MPs keeps you up at night. Are you Are you more worried now than you have been at any other time in your career?

[00:00:18]>> I'm always worried. And of course going forward when you've had two phone calls you never want.

[00:00:23]Of course I'm worried. And it does keep me awake at night. You're absolutely right. And what we've got to do is try and ensure we have the best protection around MPs, the best support that I can give to MPs, and we've got to call out against the violence and threats against MPs.

[00:00:39]>> And you know, the role of social media has come under scrutiny. You know, the leader of the Liberal Democrats talking about extremists exploiting anger and it's fueled by social media barons like Elon Musk. Do you think that is pernicious to democracy?

[00:00:51]>> But what we do know is it can be a vehicle for hate and prejudiced and anger and violence. What we've got to do is ensure there is responsibility of the social media platforms.

[00:01:04]>> Well, and and there is going to be legislation on a ban for social media for under 16s for example, but do you think the companies themselves are being let off the hook because the regulators just aren't really cracking down on the stuff that's out there that is hate hateful?

[00:01:15]>> Well, I would say this. Some social media platforms are excellent. Let's be clear about that. They're not all bad.

[00:01:21]But we have some bad owners out there who don't take their responsibility seriously. The facts have got to be up there cuz they can't stay up there. Threats against MPs, threats against people, you know, whoever you are, chief constable, it doesn't really matter.

[00:01:37]People out there, journalists, we all get threatened.

[00:01:40]And the fact is it's inspiring violence.

[00:01:42]They have to think about what that platform continues to be left up there.

[00:01:46]The fact that you're inspiring that a woman MP should be raped, that cannot be right. So, what we've got to do is work very closely, either take it down and respect and make sure it's the truth that's up there, not the false lies and premises that have been made because that's what leads to the violence on the streets and it is something that should be called out. Unfortunately, when owners don't take that responsibility, it is the government to take action.