Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Body Image in the Media and Online

24 November 2021 · 2 other contributors · 4,104 words

Opened by Luke Evans Con Hinckley and Bosworth

Responding minister: Chris Philp

Culture, Media & Sport

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Luke Evans raised concerns about body image in the media and online in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Minister acknowledges the importance of addressing body image issues in advertising and online content
  • Government is working on the Online Advertising Programme and the draft Online Safety Bill
  • ASA has launched a call for evidence on the issue that remains open until 13 January

How the debate unfolded

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

Other contributors (2)
  • Jonathan Lord

    Joined the Minister in congratulating Dr Evans on introducing the debate and expressed concerns about the advertising ban in the Health and Care Bill, urging caution to protect Britain's world-leading advertising industry which sets higher standards than virtually anywhere else.

  • Peter Dowd Lab Bootle

    Called Members to follow current Government guidance on wearing face coverings and conducting covid lateral flow tests twice a week. Reminded them to give each other space when seated, entering or leaving the Chamber.

Government Response

Chris Philp

It is a great pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Dowd. I start by congratulating my hon. Friend the Member for Bosworth on tabling this important topic for discussion and speaking with eloquence. The Government takes seriously the issues of body image in advertising and online content. There are two projects underway: the Online Advertising Programme and the draft Online Safety Bill. The ASA launched a call for evidence that remains open until 13 January, providing an opportunity to address concerns about paid-for online advertisements. A Joint Committee is examining the draft Bill which includes transparency duties on large companies and personal criminal liability for executives who fail to comply with information requests. There are mechanisms in place through Ofcom consultations to define priority harms and codes of practice that will come back to Parliament for review, ensuring a balance between protecting individuals from harmful content and not unduly penalising industries such as advertising.

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