The House of Lords has voted in favour of an amendment to ban social media use for children under 16, intensifying the UK political debate over online harms and digital child safety. The cross-party vote on Wednesday 21 saw 261 peers support the measure against 150 opposing it, applying pressure on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s government to act on rising public concerns about social media’s impact on young people.

The amendment, proposed by Conservative peer Lord John Nash and supported by politicians from multiple parties, was added to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. It mirrors a similar law recently implemented in Australia that prohibits social media use by under-16s, a policy already prompting platforms to deactivate millions of youth accounts.

Government consultation and next steps

Although peers backed the amendment, the UK government has not formally adopted a ban yet. Ministers have launched a three-month public consultation to explore the potential ban and other options – such as raising the digital age of consent and introducing time-based curfews on app usage – with results expected by the summer.

Downing Street has stated it will consider all options, with Prime Minister Starmer indicating that “no option is off the table” while assessing evidence, including outcomes of Australia’s policy. Over 60 Labour MPs have also urged the government to support stricter age limits for social media access.

If the amended bill reaches the House of Commons, MPs could affirm, modify or overturn the Lords’ decision before it becomes law. Proponents argue the measure is vital to protect mental health, reduce exposure to harmful content and give parents more support. Opponents caution that enforcement and age verification present practical challenges, and some urge a broader regulatory approach focused on platform design and algorithm transparency.

Why the issue matters

Campaigners and parents have rallied behind the proposal, claiming that social media’s addictive design and exposure to harmful material contribute to rising anxiety, cyber-bullying and mental health issues among children. Figures such as actor Hugh Grant and bereaved families have publicly called for stronger protections, reflecting growing public concern.

As the UK navigates its approach, it joins a small group of countries testing age-specific restrictions on digital platforms. The outcome of this consultation and parliamentary debate could reshape how social media is regulated for minors across the UK.

Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sánchez has been invited by United States president Donald Trump to take part in a proposed international “peace board” intended to oversee the reconstruction of Gaza following the war. The invitation, first reported by Spanish media and confirmed by government sources, is currently under review by Spain’s executive, with no decision yet taken.

According to sources at La Moncloa, Sánchez has received a formal approach linked to Trump’s foreign policy proposals, which include the creation of a body tentatively described as a “peace plan” or governing council for Gaza. The initiative would aim to manage reconstruction efforts and post-war stability, although no formal structure, mandate or international framework has been announced.

Uncertainty over role and international legitimacy

Moncloa offers no commitment

Spanish government sources have stressed that the invitation does not constitute an agreement and that Spain has not accepted participation. Officials say the proposal is being analysed diplomatically, particularly in relation to its compatibility with international law, the United Nations framework and Spain’s existing positions on the Middle East conflict.

The government has reiterated its long-standing support for a two-state solution and for multilateral mechanisms led by the United Nations. Any involvement in post-war Gaza, officials note, would need to align with those principles and with European Union policy.

No details have been provided regarding how the proposed peace board would function, who else might be invited to participate or whether international organisations would be involved.

Political reaction within Spain

Coalition partners express opposition

The invitation has already generated political tension within Spain’s governing coalition. Several parties allied to Sánchez have publicly rejected the idea of Spain joining a body linked to Trump’s initiative, warning that it could undermine international norms and sideline existing multilateral institutions.

Representatives from left-wing parties within the coalition have criticised the proposal as incompatible with the United Nations system and Spain’s foreign policy commitments. They argue that reconstruction and governance in Gaza should be led through recognised international frameworks rather than ad hoc political initiatives.

Opposition figures, meanwhile, have questioned the lack of clarity surrounding the proposal and have called on the government to provide transparency regarding any diplomatic contacts related to the initiative.

Trump’s proposal and broader context

Part of wider foreign policy positioning

Donald Trump has made the reconstruction and future governance of Gaza part of his broader foreign policy messaging, framing the proposed peace board as a mechanism to stabilise the territory after the conflict. However, no official documentation or international backing for such a body has been announced.

Trump,  has not outlined how the board would interact with existing international actors, including the Palestinian Authority, Israel, the United Nations or regional powers.

Analysts note that the proposal appears political rather than institutional at this stage, with significant legal and diplomatic hurdles remaining before any such body could be established.

Spain’s position on Gaza

Commitment to humanitarian aid and multilateral solutions

Spain has been among the European countries most vocal in calling for a ceasefire and increased humanitarian access to Gaza. The Sánchez government has consistently argued that any reconstruction effort must be accompanied by political progress toward a two-state solution.

Madrid has also supported international conferences and diplomatic initiatives led by recognised institutions, including the UN and the EU, and has contributed humanitarian assistance through established international channels.

Government sources stress that Spain’s engagement in Gaza-related initiatives remains guided by international law and multilateral cooperation.

Diplomatic caution going forward

No decision taken

At this stage, the Spanish government insists that no commitment has been made and that the invitation remains under consideration. Officials underline that any potential participation would require broad international legitimacy and internal political consensus.

The issue is expected to remain a point of debate both within Spain and across Europe as discussions continue over Gaza’s post-war future. For now, Madrid maintains that its priority is humanitarian relief, international coordination and a political solution grounded in existing global frameworks.

Key points

• Pedro Sánchez has been invited by Donald Trump to join a proposed Gaza peace board
• The Spanish government has not accepted and says the invitation is under review
• Coalition partners have publicly opposed participation
• No formal structure or international mandate has been announced
• Spain reiterates support for UN-led, multilateral solutions

Spain’s response reflects broader uncertainty among European governments over how post-war Gaza should be governed and reconstructed. While international interest in stabilisation efforts is growing, most states continue to emphasise the need for legally recognised mechanisms.

As diplomatic discussions evolve, the Sánchez government faces the challenge of balancing international engagement with domestic political pressure and its stated commitment to multilateralism, leaving the invitation unresolved for now.

Ryanair has once again put pressure on a European government – this time Portugal – by warning it could pull flights from the country’s island regions if costs are not brought under control.

The airline says it is considering ending all routes to the Azores from March 2026, a move that would cut direct links with cities such as London, Brussels, Lisbon and Porto. For an archipelago that relies heavily on air connections, the threat has not gone unnoticed.

According to Ryanair, the problem is simple: flying to the islands has become too expensive.

Fees, taxes and frustration

The warning dates back to November, when the airline accused ANA, the company that manages Portugal’s airports, of pushing through steep increases in airport charges. Ryanair claims some fees have risen by as much as 35 per cent, making certain routes financially unworkable.

Jason McGuinness, Ryanair’s commercial director, has been blunt about the situation. He says the airline cannot justify keeping aircraft on routes where operating costs keep rising, especially when cheaper alternatives exist elsewhere in Europe.

Ryanair also points the finger at the Portuguese government, accusing it of standing by while costs climb. In the airline’s view, there has been little effort to protect regional connectivity or keep fares competitive.

A wider pattern across Europe

Portugal is far from alone. Ryanair has already announced cuts elsewhere, including the suspension of winter flights to Vigo and Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Germany is also set to lose routes to Berlin, Hamburg and Dortmund.

In France, several regional airports – among them Brive, Bergerac and Strasbourg – are facing the same risk. Ryanair says these airports no longer make economic sense under current conditions.

Taken together, the moves form part of the airline’s wider plan to lower fares in 2026 by shifting aircraft to airports with lower charges.

Nothing final – yet

Despite the strong language, Ryanair insists the decision on the Azores is not yet set in stone. Talks are still ongoing, and March 2026 remains the key deadline.

For now, passengers, tourism businesses and island residents are left waiting. If the airline follows through, travel options would shrink and prices could rise. If a deal is struck, flights will continue – quietly, and without the drama.

As ever with Ryanair, the message is clear: keep costs down, or the planes go elsewhere.

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