A Labour Member of Parliament has issued a stark demand for a legislative crackdown on the sale of human remains across social media platforms, branding the practice as deeply disturbing and unregulated. Bell Ribeiro-Addy presented a private member's bill to the House of Commons on Wednesday, 4 February 2026, aiming to outlaw what she described as an "abhorrent trade" that currently operates in a legal grey area within the United Kingdom.
Unregulated Online Market Exposed
The MP highlighted several alarming cases where human body parts, including hair, teeth, skin, and various organs, are being sold by private individuals without any oversight or ethical safeguards. Ribeiro-Addy emphasised that these transactions often occur on popular social media sites, where sellers can easily reach a broad audience without facing significant scrutiny.
Disturbing Examples Cited
In her address to Parliament, the Labour MP provided specific, stomach-churning examples of the items being traded. These included decorative candlesticks crafted from human vertebrae and macabre necklaces made from human teeth. Such artefacts, she argued, treat human remains as mere commodities, disregarding the dignity and respect typically afforded to the deceased.
Ribeiro-Addy pointed out that under current UK law, it is perfectly legal to buy and sell human remains, provided they are not obtained through theft or other criminal means. This legal loophole has allowed a niche market to flourish online, often without the knowledge or consent of the families involved.
Calls for Immediate Legislative Action
The proposed bill seeks to close this gap by introducing a comprehensive ban on the commercial sale of human body parts, with particular focus on online platforms. The MP argued that social media companies must take greater responsibility for monitoring and removing such listings, as the current lack of regulation poses significant ethical and public health risks.
Supporters of the bill suggest that a prohibition would align the UK with stricter international standards and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation. The debate is expected to continue in the coming weeks, as lawmakers consider the implications for personal liberties, commerce, and moral boundaries in the digital age.
