The Westminster lensArchive · Written questions · 89 tabled · 88 answered

Written questions by McCarthy.

Every parliamentary written question tabled by Kerry McCarthy this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.

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Department:All (89)Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (26)Department of Health and Social Care (16)Department for Work and Pensions (9)Ministry of Justice (9)Department for Education (8)Department for Business and Trade (5)Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (4)Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (4)Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (2)Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (2)Women and Equalities (1)Home Office (1)

Showing 1–2 of 2 · Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

20 Apr 2026·Department for Science, Innovation and Technology·Answered

Asked

Innovation and Technology, what discussions she has had with Ofcom on progress on its investigation into Kick Online Entertainment S.A. and harmful online content.

While enforcement decisions are a matter for the independent online safety regulator, Ofcom, the government has made it clear that it is keen to see the regulator use all the powers Parliament has provided it with under the Online Safety Act. The government therefore welcomes Ofcom’s confirmation decision of the 31 March 2026 issued to Kick Online Entertainment S.A. for failing to comply with requirements to implement Highly Effective Age Assurance (HEAA), imposing an £800,000 sanction; and a further £30,000 penalty for failing to provide information requested under its information gathering powers.

13 Nov 2025·Department for Science, Innovation and Technology·Answered

Asked

Innovation and Technology, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of bringing forward legislative proposals to establish a (a) social media curfew and (b) cap on smartphone screen time for children.

It is important that children can seize the opportunities that being online offers whilst being safe. The Online Safety Act provides protections for children from illegal and harmful content onlineWe continue to explore evidence around the impact of social media on children. We will not hesitate to take further action to protect children from online harm, if evidence shows it is needed.

Sources

SourceUK Parliament Members API

MethodQuestion and answer text as published. Question preamble (“To ask the…”) trimmed for readability; answers shown in full.