Paul Jackson, director general of the Entertainment & Leisure Software Publishers Association (ELSPA), has told the government that the BBFC is 'not fit for purpose' as a ratings system for computer games.

Speaking at a fringe event at the Labour Party conference, Mr Jackson called on the audience to support the Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) system, which he said is the only ratings classification that has the power to prevent game publishers distributing unsuitable content to children.

Mr Jackson explained to the audience that there is currently a two-tier system in the UK. Under this system, games are rated under PEGI and a second rating system run by BBFC, the film classification board who have limited jurisdiction over games ratings via the Video Recordings Act.

According to Mr Jackson: "A linear ratings system like the one the BBFC uses is designed for films with a beginning, middle and end where the outcome is always the same. It just can't cope with the infinite variety and complexity of modern video games, and the interaction between players.

"Only PEGI fully assesses all games content. It is designed specifically for interactive software. It understands games and their potential for infinite variations. That's why it is backed by the British games industry."