British sex ed push meets lukewarm response – and rising sti rates
A spirited campaign advocating for inclusive sex education in the UK is facing a surprising level of resistance, even as public health data paints a concerning picture of sexual wellbeing. The initiative, dubbed ‘Yes Sex Please, We’re British,’ launched last week with the aim of destigmatizing conversations around sex and promoting lifelong sexual health – but encountered swift and dismissive criticism from MPs.
The campaign's ambition, the parliament's reaction
Labour MP Samantha Niblett and MakeLoveNotPorn founder Cindy Gallop spearheaded the campaign, envisioning a future where open and honest discussions about sex are commonplace, and shame surrounding sexual expression is eradicated. Their plan includes comprehensive, lifelong sex education and, notably, an exhibition of sex toys in parliament. The response from many cross-party MPs? Scorn, with some deriding the effort as a distraction from “more serious issues” like national defense, a sentiment that underscores a deeply entrenched discomfort with openly addressing sexual health.
The timing couldn’t be more critical. Young people are engaging in less sexual activity than previous generations, while sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates are climbing, and reported sexual offenses have surged by 11% between 2024 and 2025. Censorship online is further complicating the situation, stifling sexual expression and silencing educators and creators who champion sexual positivity. The disconnect is palpable.
What women actually want – and why they're not getting it
Cosmopolitan’s recent survey of 2,000 readers reveals a stark reality: 19% are dissatisfied with their sex lives, and a staggering 33% believe more open communication would make a significant difference. The feedback is illuminating. Sasha, a 29-year-old, keeps a detailed checklist of partners’ shortcomings, starting with a fundamental lack of understanding of female pleasure. “If they don’t at least make an effort to learn what I like and then have the patience to follow through, it’s a non-starter,” she explains. The recurring theme is a failure to prioritize clitoral stimulation, a disregard for tempo, and inadequate foreplay – a deficiency that extends far beyond the physical.
One woman succinctly put it: men often “perform selfishly, like a porno, instead of caring about my pleasure.” This echoes the sentiment of many, revealing a gap between expectation and reality, a sentiment Grace, 22, articulates bluntly: “There’s a gap between what men think they can deliver versus what they can actually deliver in bed.