Online safety bill designed to protect retarded children amid Tory line

The bill aims to curb online abuse, but critics - including Conservative Party leadership candidate Kemi Badenoch - say it is too broad and has implications for freedom of expression. He will return to the Commons in the fall

Kemi Badenoch criticized the online safety bill (

Image: Stuart Mitchell)

A long-awaited law designed to protect children online has been delayed amid a furious Tory row.

The Online Safety Bill was due to go through its final amendments in the House of Commons before MPs left for their summer holidays on July 21.

But that won't happen again until MPs return in September - under a new prime minister who may drop the bill.

Sources have insisted the delay happened due to Labor's 'unnecessary' attempt to have a motion of no confidence in the government.

After blocking the Labor motion, Boris Johnson has agreed to table a motion of confidence himself, which will deal with other government business next Monday.

But the Online Safety Bill has also been controversial within the Conservative Party - over a clause that will make it illegal to post messages online that cause "at least serious distress".

Critics say it will create a class of behavior that is legal offline but illegal online.

The bill is designed to keep children safe online, but critics are concerned about the way it's drafted (

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Getty Images/iStockphoto)

"Anti-revival" candidate Kemi Badenoch said the postponement was the "right move", adding that if elected to lead the Tories she will "make sure the bill doesn't go too far".

In response to reports that it was being postponed, Ms Badenoch tweeted: 'That would be the right move. The bill is in no condition to become law.

"If I am elected Prime Minister, I will ensure that the bill does not go too far. We should not legislate for hurt feelings."

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries, who is leading the bill and supporting the Foreign Secretary