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Conservatives would blacklist marketers to protect children


Companies that market irresponsibly to children will be banned from winning future government contracts for three years if the Conservative Party wins the next General Election. David Cameron announced plans to change the UK's marketing laws today.

The Tory leader said that he wants to help families protect children from "premature sexualisation and excessive commercialisation."

"I want to make Britain the most family-friendly country in the world," said Cameron. "A key part of helping families and mending our broken society is making sure that business is responsible in how it markets and advertises products to children."

“Social pressure is the best way to combat irresponsible behaviour and encourage responsibility, and we will make it easier for parents to mobilise against campaigns and products that they think are inappropriate, but there is a role for Government too," he said.

“We will ban the most irresponsible marketing techniques and introduce penalties for agencies caught flouting the rules – banning them from winning Government contracts for three years," said Cameron. "A Conservative Government would take the tough action needed to help families and build a society in which we stop treating children as adults.”

According to a statement from the Party, the proposals include:

  • Banning the most manipulative marketing techniques aimed at young people;
  • Strengthening the regulatory framework;
  • Giving people the power to make complaints; and
  • Banning irresponsible companies from winning future government contracts.
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