Rishi Sunak nearing deal with rebel Tory MPs over plans to jail social media bosses whose networks harm kids

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Prime Minister Rishi Sunak departs 10 Downing Street, London, to attend Prime Minister's Questions at the Houses of Parliament. Picture date: Wednesday January 11, 2023. PA Photo. See PA story POLITICS PMQs. Photo credit should read: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire

RISHI Sunak is nearing a deal with rebel Tory MPs over plans to jail social media bosses whose networks harm children.

The PM and Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan have been in talks with the 50-strong group this weekend.

Rishi Sunak is nearing a deal with rebel Tory MPs over plans to jail social media bosses whose networks harm children

The rebels want to amend the Online Harms Bill so chiefs of online giants who fail kids can be jailed for two years.

Insiders are hopeful a compromise will be struck before the bill returns to Parliament next week.

If not, the PM will face his first Commons defeat as Labour plan to back the amendment.

Miriam Cates, the Tory leading the bid for change, said: “We’re not doing this to inflict a defeat on the Government — we want to win a victory for children.

“The change needed in these tech companies is pretty significant.

“Although fines are necessary when they break the law, we don’t think that will be enough to drive the kind of radical change needed in tech boardrooms.”

Earlier this week, Ms Donelan vowed to adopt a “sensible approach” to suggestions.