A Labour MP has sparked national debate by proposing a “summer of sex” campaign that could include an unprecedented exhibition of adult products inside the UK parliament. Samantha Niblett, who represents South Derbyshire, says her initiative is designed to promote open, healthy discussions about sex and relationships, ahead of a planned Commons debate on lifelong sex education later this year.
Niblett’s campaign, titled “Yes Sex Please, We’re British!”, seeks to challenge long-standing cultural taboos and encourage a more positive and informed approach to sexuality. She argues that improved sex education can play a crucial role in strengthening understanding of consent and reducing abuse and violence, while also highlighting how factors such as childbirth, menopause, stress, and health conditions can affect sexual wellbeing. Speaking to PoliticsHome, she framed the campaign as part of reclaiming a confident and unashamed sense of British identity.
As part of her efforts, Niblett has engaged with industry figures including Lovehoney, where she learned about the potential health benefits associated with sexual wellbeing. She plans to spend the summer touring organizations and gathering insights to inform both her parliamentary speech and future policy proposals. The proposed exhibition in parliament, though still uncertain due to possible regulatory restrictions, has already drawn attention as a bold attempt to bring the topic directly into the political arena.
Niblett has also been working alongside Cindy Gallop, founder of MakeLoveNotPorn, to promote more realistic portrayals of intimacy. She has spoken candidly about her own experiences, including early exposure to pornography and how a lack of open discussion may shape attitudes toward sex. Through the campaign, she hopes not only to educate the public but also to challenge her own perspectives.
The initiative has received largely positive reactions, with many welcoming the willingness of a sitting MP to address a subject often considered taboo in political discourse. Niblett noted that while some people are surprised by the conversation, that very reaction underscores the need for it. Supporters have described the campaign as refreshing, signaling a potential shift in how issues of sex, education, and wellbeing are approached in public life.
