Peace reigned at PMQs today. That was the plan, anyway. Both leaders agreed to sheath their weapons and to blunt their sabres in honour of the late Sir David Amess. But one-upmanship started to break through almost immediately. The issue on which they agreed to agree was internet extremism.
Sir Keir Starmer saluted the ‘collaborative spirit’ of the House and cited an instance of violent footage which had ‘stayed online because it didn’t contravene the guidelines.’
Boris promised to strengthen the rules and to make companies accountable for extremist content on their sites.
‘I’m glad he’s taking this new tough line,’ added the PM, hinting that Sir Keir is as squishy as a warm marshmallow on violent crime.
Sir Keir snuck in a dig of his own. He offered to support the Online Safety Bill if Boris would agree to fast-track it through parliament before the end of the year.
While they pretended to compete in virtue, they were desperate to condemn their other side’s wretched standards
Sure thing, said Boris.
Britain’s best politics newsletters
You get two free articles each week when you sign up to The Spectator’s emails.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Comments
Join the debate, free for a month
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first month free.
UNLOCK ACCESS Try a month freeAlready a subscriber? Log in