MPs 'wrong' not to back social media ban - mayor

The mayor of York and North Yorkshire says MPs have made the "wrong decision" in rejecting an Australia-style ban on social media for under-16s.

David Skaith made the comments as he appeared on Message the Mayor on BBC Radio York.

The Labour mayor also answered questions about net-zero targets, a proposed tourist tax and a recent firearms incident in York.

Skaith said politicians - who voted against an Australia-style ban on social media for under-16s in favour of flexible ministerial power - need to look at how the ban in Australia works.

He said: "I personally think that was the wrong decision."

He added that neither of his children are on social media, adding: "I personally don't feel comfortable with having such young people on social media with the exposure it brings, and the impact it's having on young peoples' health."

Asked about a recent firearms incident in York in which an unoccupied car was shot at, Skaith said it was "a really concerning situation whenever we hear about firearms or knives on our streets" but that he had "full faith in North Yorkshire Police".

The mayor, who with his deputy Jo Coles, oversees the police and fire services, and drew up the region's police and crime plan.

He said: "Incidents like this really impact the community which is why there is a big focus on neighbourhood policing, to instill that faith and confidence in local people."

Skaith was asked by hotseat listener Andrea if he "understood net zero is a disaster" and if, by scrapping it, he could "fund farmers instead".

In response the mayor said rooftop solar projects should be made a priority, adding that one farmer had already received mayoral funding to fit rooftop solar panels.

He said: "That is a really great project. But the idea that to scrap net zero and energy projects - look at what is happening now - fuel prices have gone through the roof because of the war in Iran.

"We need to be much more self-sufficient on our renewable energy - having wind and solar is imperative right now."

Skaith said "everything is on the table" over plans for a possible tourist tax on overnight stays in York and North Yorkshire.

He was responding to calls from York and North Yorkshire's scouts for the movement to be exempt from the visitor levy.

The mayor said he needs the legislation - when it is sent North from London - to be as flexible as possible.

He added: "We don't know what the legislation from government will say. But I am championing the government to say 'we need as many flexibilities in it as possible,' so it becomes a mayoral power, look at the nuances of our region and make sure it's not just a blanket thing."

Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.