Digital Businesses and Campaigners Tell Keir Starmer Parliamentary Sovereignty and UK Democracy Are Not For Sale

More than 50 businesses, campaigning organisations and individuals have called on the Prime Minister to deliver on the objectives of two key pieces of legislation designed to make the digital ecosystem safer and fairer, as the UK looks to secure a trade deal with the US.

In a joint letter to Sir Keir Starmer, campaigners said that any “regulatory review” or any commitment to potentially change the implementation of the frameworks created by the Online Safety Act and the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act should form no part of a trade deal with the US.

The letter said: “The UK Parliament passed the Online Safety Act and the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act to protect and promote the interests of UK citizens, consumers, and businesses. At a time of increased polarisation, both policies are widely popular across the political spectrum.

“Both pieces of legislation were strongly supported by the Labour Party in Opposition. In fact, Labour Shadow Ministers pushed the Government of the day to strengthen the legislation significantly.

“Any ‘regulatory review’ or any commitment to potentially change the implementation of these frameworks should form no part of a trade deal with the US.”

Signatories include the News Media Association, Which?, Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy, News UK, Molly Rose Foundation, Marie Collins Foundation, and the Financial Times.

The letter added: “If the home country of the most powerful tech firms in the world can negotiate away regulatory frameworks created by our sovereign Parliament, then what is left of our democracy?

“We urge you and others in Government to reflect on the long-term benefits that a safer online space, and fairer digital markets will bring to our society and economy. And consider the future ramifications for our sovereignty if it becomes clear that laws passed by our Parliament can be traded away.

“Our sovereignty and our democracy are not for sale.”