THE Liberal Democrats have launched our “York 2019” campaign; an exciting opportunity for local residents to share their views and ideas on how to improve the city.

With less than a year to go until the May 2019 elections in York, significant work is ongoing to create an ambitious plan for the city.

As part of “York 2019”, the Liberal Democrats would like to know what residents want to see happen in York over the next five years; from big ideas that affect the entirety of the city, to specific suggestions on what could change in local communities.

As Liberal Democrats, it is important to us that our plan reflects the aspirations of residents and local communities across the city. That is why all submissions we receive during York 2019 will be considered as we set out our priorities for the upcoming elections.

For those who want to have their say, please share your thoughts via www.yorklibdems.org.uk/york2019, or email york2019@yorklibdems.org.uk, to get involved.

Stephen Fenton, Ward councillor for Dringhouses and Woodthorpe,

Askham Lane, York

Use tech to flag up the risks to children

LAST week the Home Secretary laid down a much-needed challenge to big tech companies at the NSPCC’s HQ in London.

Sajid Javid said he was demanding change to protect children from online groomers as well as urging the industry to tackle the vile trade in indecent images.

And not before time. NSPCC research shows the equivalent of one child in every primary school classroom surveyed has been sent a naked or semi-naked image from an adult; and one in 50 had sent a nude or semi-nude image to an adult. That is appalling, but it isn’t inevitable.

Social media sites often know where we shop and what we buy to target us with adverts. If they can use that technology for profit then why not to flag the risks to our children? It’s time the Government acts and forces social networks to play their part.

The NSPCC’s Wild West Web campaign is calling on Mr Javid and Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright to create an independent regulator, with the power to investigate and to fine social networks which fall short. And social networks must be forced to publish annual transparency reports about the scale of abuse on their platforms.

Of course, parents need to take steps to ensure their children are as safe as can be online, and we must teach children online safety in schools. But online platforms should be built to be safe in the first place, just like any other product used by children.

Helen Westerman

NSPCC Campaigns Manager for the North, Leeds