I welcomed a further milestone to outlaw flashing online images that trigger seizures in people with epilepsy following a two-year campaign I have been involved in.
An amendment to the Online Safety Bill called Zach’s Law outlawing the practice has been published by the government this week.
I have supported the campaign after I heard how Zach Eagling, who suffers from epilepsy, was sent flashing images on social media by vile trolls.
Zach, who also has cerebral palsy, was sent the images while he took part in a charity walk around his garden in 2020 aged only nine.
I have worked for nearly two years with fellow MPs and the Epilepsy Society to push for the legislation.
To celebrate the latest milestone, Zach and his mom Claire Keer came to parliament to meet up with MPs, including myself, who have supported Zach’s Law.
It was amazing to see Zach and his mom again and to celebrate with them this amendment to the bill that brings Zach’s law closer,.
This young man remains an inspiration to me and to many others and he’s making a difference to lives across the UK. It has taken a little time since I sat on the draft Online Safety Bill committee to get to this point but the successful end is in sight.
Zach’s work and the tireless support of the Epilepsy Society has got us to this point. I look forward to voting for this amendment and getting Zach’s Law onto the Statute Book.
