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Social Media Posts: Penalties for Offences
17 November 2025
Lead MP
Jamie Stone
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
LD
Responding Minister
Jake Richards
Tags
Justice & Courts
Word Count: 10012
Other Contributors: 10
At a Glance
Jamie Stone raised concerns about social media posts: penalties for offences in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The petition calls on the Government to urgently review possible penalties for non-violent social media offences, including the use of prison sentences, ensuring fair and just treatment within the framework of freedom of expression as defined by the Online Safety Act 2023.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The petition has gathered more than 100,000 signatures, with signatories calling for an urgent review of penalties for non-violent social media offences. The concern is that the current approach to policing may be overly lenient towards certain types of protestors compared to others, potentially affecting fair and impartial punishment.
Asked whether communication was the sole reason for arrest, highlighting the need for detailed data.
Kieran Mullan
Con
Bexhill and Battle
Stresses the importance of prioritising police resources for catching burglars, car thieves, shoplifters, and violent offenders. Emphasises the need to balance social media regulation with common sense.
Scott Arthur
Lab
Edinburgh South West
Asked Rupert Lowe about his claim that people are more likely to be imprisoned for social media posts than rape. Discussed the two-tier justice system and the importance of addressing racial hatred online, referencing tragic violence in Edinburgh last summer.
Emily Darlington
Lab
Milton Keynes Central
Stated that regulating the online space is necessary to ensure everyone's safety and voice, addressing concerns about freedom of speech while ensuring protection against hate crimes and doxing. Questioned Labour's understanding of the Sentencing Bill and defended Government measures on early release schemes.
James McMurdock
Ind
South Basildon and East Thurrock
Asked the hon. Member to give way on his point about free speech.
Jamie Stone
LD
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
As Chair of the Petitions Committee, Mr. Stone acknowledges that the debate is important for democracy and thanks all Members who have contributed to it.
Luke Myer
Lab
Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland
I will always defend freedom of expression, but is concerned about the proliferation of disinformation content online by hostile states.
Luke Taylor
LD
Sutton and Cheam
Argued that social media posts can reach millions instantly, likening it to an 'unleashing' similar to Pandora's box, and questioned the uproar if national newspaper or TV speech urged violence.
Richard Quigley
Lab
Isle of Wight West
Acknowledged failures in the law but criticized hypocrisy on Opposition Benches regarding freedom of speech and consequences.
Zöe Franklin
LD
Guildford
Discussed the proportionality of penalties applied to offences arising from social media posts, highlighting the case of unregulated suicide forums that have led to at least 133 UK deaths. Emphasized the need for strong enforcement and support by regulators.
Government Response
Jake Richards
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice
Government Response
This Government are committed to ensuring that penalties for offences related to online speech are proportionate and uphold freedom of expression. Sentencing must remain a matter for the independent judiciary, which is vital to protect democracy and the rule of law.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.