Keir Starmer has ruled out the idea of appointing a minister for men, despite rising concerns about young male identity.
The debate has resurfaced after the success of Adolescence, a Netflix drama about a teenage boy arrested for killing a female classmate. Former England manager Gareth Southgate has also weighed in, saying young men need more positive role models instead of spending their time online.
👨👦 Starmer: ‘We have to take this seriously’
Speaking on BBC Radio 5Live, the prime minister—who has a teenage son—acknowledged the growing concerns.
“I am worried about this,” he admitted. “I’ve got a 16-year-old boy and a 14-year-old girl. We’re watching Adolescence with them.”
Starmer said he had spoken with Southgate and found his comments “really powerful.” He added:
“There’s a reason this debate has suddenly taken off. A lot of parents and teachers see that we may have a problem with boys and young men that we need to address. I personally take it very seriously.”
❌ No ‘minister for men’ – but the issue won’t be ignored
When asked whether it was time for a minister for men, Starmer dismissed the idea.
“No, I don’t think that’s the answer. I think it’s time to listen to what Gareth Southgate is saying and respond to it. That’s certainly what I want to do.”
However, he made it clear that the issue won’t be brushed aside.
“It’s important we pick this challenge up and see it for what it is.”
While there won’t be a new ministerial role, the conversation around masculinity and young men’s struggles isn’t going away anytime soon.
Related: Elon Musk called out for spreading misinformation about Netflix’s Adolescence
