Commons Sense

House of Commons · Bill Debate

The Private Member’s Bill on Consumer Safety and Product Regulation - Clause 1

20 January 2023 · 5 other contributors

Opened by Ian Mearns Lab Gateshead

Business Compliance

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Ian Mearns raised concerns about the private member’s bill on consumer safety and product regulation - clause 1 in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • The amendment seeks to update the product safety framework to require online marketplaces to comply with the same regulations as high street retailers.
  • Recent studies show that seventy-three percent of customers are unaware of the difference in safety laws between physical stores and online marketplaces.
  • The proposed Bill aims to ensure consistent product safety standards across all retail environments.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Ian Mearns Lab Gateshead

I move to amend the product safety framework to ensure that online marketplaces adhere to the same regulations as high street retailers, preventing unfair competition and protecting consumers from unsafe products. The current legislation is inadequate, allowing unsafe goods to be sold unchecked on platforms such as eBay and Amazon. Recent studies reveal that 73% of customers are unaware of this discrepancy in safety laws between physical stores and online marketplaces, leading to a growing issue of consumer harm. I propose the Bill to align product safety standards across all retail environments, ensuring only safe products can be placed on the market now and in future.

Other contributors (5)
  • Ian Mearns Lab Gateshead

    The current product safety framework is not fit for purpose, allowing unsafe products to continue littering online shopping platforms and people’s homes. Investigations by Electrical Safety First have repeatedly found non-compliant items listed on these marketplaces, including electrical devices that claim energy savings but are actually dangerous. A tragic death in Swansea caused by an unsafe electrical product purchased from eBay underscores the real-world dangers posed by such practices.

  • Dean Russell Con Monmouth

    [INTERVENTION] The hon. Member mentioned button batteries. My hon. Friend has been campaigning to ban these batteries or make them safer due to incidents where children have swallowed them, leading to severe injuries.

  • Kevin Hollinrake Con Thirsk and Malton

    While acknowledging the importance of the issue, Mr. Hollinrake opposes the Bill, arguing that existing laws require products to be safe before being placed on the UK market regardless of how they are sold. He emphasises the need for a fair and level playing field for businesses and consumers. The Minister highlights ongoing regulatory actions and the product safety review to address concerns about online marketplace safety.

  • Ian Mearns Lab Gateshead

    [INTERVENTION] Mr. Mearns agrees that if measures from other jurisdictions are not strong enough, the Government should introduce regulations to clean up the market completely.

  • Ian Mearns Lab Gateshead

    [INTERVENTION] Mr. Mearns expresses regret that the Government is not supporting the Bill but feels heartened by the Minister's willingness to be held accountable and includes him in discussions regarding the product safety review.

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