Your Harrogate Radio

7:00pm - 8:00am

Email the studio

The Script

Scars Align

Listen Live

Harrogate MP presses Government on X user bans

Wednesday, 14 January 2026 at 10:38

Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough.

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has challenged the Government on how any ban on social media platform X would be enforced.

The Liberal Democrat MP has made it clear to ministers that if a ban is imposed, it must be “watertight and not undermined by loopholes or VPNs.”

The Government has indicated it could ban X under the UK’s online safety laws following reports that the platform’s Grok AI tool generated indecent images of women and children.

Ofcom is investigating, and ministers have said they will support the regulator if it decides to proceed with a ban.

Tom said:

“X has shown a blatant disregard for safety, repeatedly putting users at serious risk. Ofcom is right to consider banning the platform, but with any ban must come enforceability.

“The Government needs a clear plan to make any ban watertight. That means closing loopholes, stopping VPN workarounds, and ensuring harmful content cannot simply resurface elsewhere.

“I’m pushing for the Government to set out concrete steps and give Ofcom the tools it needs to enforce the rules effectively. This is about solving the problem, not shifting it.”

Speaking in Parliament, Tom pressed ministers on how they would prevent users from bypassing potential restrictions through VPNs and other workarounds.

He warned that any ban must be comprehensive and close loopholes to stop harmful content from continuing to circulate.

Tom made clear that while a ban should be considered, it should only happen alongside concrete measures to make it effective.

More from Local News

Santa to visit Harrogate vets for charity festive open day

Santa will visit a Harrogate veterinary practice next month to help raise money for Make-A-Wish.
Pannal Players announce final pantomime after 40 years

Pannal Players will bring the curtain down on four decades of pantomimes with a farewell production of Snow White.
Man jailed for six years after stabbing victim in neck outside pub near Ripon

A man has been jailed for six years and six months after stabbing another man in the neck outside a pub near Ripon.
£3.4m bailout saved council-owned Brierley Homes from collapse, say councillors

North Yorkshire Council-owned Brierley Homes would have gone into administration, leaving the authority facing losses of more than £20m, without a £3.4m taxpayer-funded bailout, it has emerged.
Man jailed after violent assault on former partner in Harrogate

A man has been jailed for three years and eight months after violently assaulting his former partner in Harrogate.
Police appeal to identify Kex Gill cyclist

Police are appealing to identify a cyclist following criminal damage in Blubberhouses.
WATCH: Satisfying transformation as Harrogate Cenotaph is cleaned

Harrogate's Street Rangers have started cleaning around the Cenotaph ahead of Remembrance Day.
Yorkshire Garden Centres raises more than £106,000 for children's hospice

Yorkshire Garden Centres has raised more than £106,000 for Martin House Children's Hospice.
Earlier fireworks and live music planned for Your Harrogate Stray Bonfire

Harrogate's Stray Bonfire returns next weekend with an earlier fireworks display and a headline performance from UK Foo Fighters.
Harrogate Taekwondo master "honoured" to represent UK in Sweden and Croatia

A Harrogate Taekwondo master has represented Great Britain as a referee at two international championships.
Yorkshire Water boss to step down after lowest possible environmental rating

Yorkshire Water's chief executive is to step down, just 24 hours after the company received the lowest possible environmental rating.
Harrogate Poundland faces uncertainty as retailer appoints administrators

Harrogate’s Poundland faces an uncertain future as the retailer seeks a rescue deal.
£65million Leeds Bradford Airport railway station described as ‘critical’ for region

A proposed parkway station for Leeds Bradford Airport is “absolutely critical” for the region, a meeting has been told.
Defending Harrogate Gateway scheme was important for town's future, says councillor

North Yorkshire Council was right to robustly defend its controversial £13.4m Harrogate Gateway scheme against legal challenges because of its importance to the town’s economic future, a senior councillor has said.
Skipton and Ripon MP criticises Budget over lack of support for rural communities

Skipton and Ripon MP Sir Julian Smith has criticised the Government's latest Budget, claiming it fails to provide enough support for farmers, hospitality businesses and rural communities.
New 'Winter Warmers' campaign aims to get residents outdoors

A local non-profit is launching a new campaign to help people get outdoors and stay connected this winter.
Police appeal after cars damaged on Harrogate streets

Police are appealing for information after several reports of cars being damaged in Harrogate.
Thousands expected in Harrogate for four-day craft show

Thousands of craft enthusiasts are expected in Harrogate next month for the return of Knit + Stitch.
Harrogate Mumbler to launch Welfare Hub at Stray Bonfire

Harrogate Mumbler is launching a new Welfare Hub at this year's Your Harrogate Stray Bonfire and Fireworks.
'Push For Pudsey' sofa challenge to pass through Harrogate

The 80-mile 'Push For Pudsey' charity challenge is coming to Harrogate next month.