Diane Abbott MP welcomes proposals to restrict ‘lads' mags’

Diane Abbott, Shadow Health Minister and MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, has welcomed proposals to cover up ‘lad's mags’ in shops to protect children.

A new report released this week by Reg Bailey of the Mothers’ Union for the Government, recommended that magazines and newspapers with sexualised images on their covers should not be in view of children.

Diane Abbott said the proposal in the report, ‘Letting Children be Children’, picked up a local campaign she started in 2005 with Stoke Newington newsagent Mr Hamdy Shahein who didn't wish to sell material that would offend his customers.

She took action in Parliament and as a result, in March 2006, the National Federation of Newsagents produced a set of guidelines for their members to follow. They called for newsagents to ensure these types of magazine and newspapers were above the vision line of children.

Diane Abbott said she was pleased this report had built on her action.

“This is very good news for all of us who have been concerned for a long time about children being exposed to unsuitable images in shops. Children should not have to see this sort of material, which can be disturbing for them and degrading to women.

“Some newsagents have been very responsible but others have failed to follow the industry guidelines. I hope that the Government will respond to these recommendations and implement them as soon as possible so that children are protected.”

The report also called to ban sexualised adverts on streets where children might see them.

-- ENDS --

For information contact
Gabe Trodd on 0207 219 4426