Alan Shearer and Sir Michael Caine are advocating for Keir Starmer to implement a complete ban on smacking in England. A coalition of activists and notable figures, such as Natalie Dormer and Samantha Morton, has penned a letter to the Prime Minister, urging for a legal change to safeguard children from harm.
The letter, set to be personally delivered to No10, argues that the current legislation sends a troubling message that physical punishment of children can be justified. This initiative follows a YouGov poll revealing that 81% of parents believe using force on a child is unacceptable.
While Wales and Scotland have already prohibited corporal punishment, including smacking, England still allows for “reasonable punishment” under certain circumstances. Advocates are pushing for the closure of this legal gap to ensure children’s protection.
Coordinated by the NSPCC and backed by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, as well as children’s charity Barnardo’s, the letter emphasizes that hitting a child is never justifiable and constitutes harm. The call is for Prime Minister Keir Starmer to show courage and compassion by championing every child’s right to safety, dignity, and respect, and to end physical discipline in England for good.
Research by UCL in 2024 revealed that over 20% of 10-year-olds in the UK experienced physical punishment in 2020 and 2021. Activists are advocating for the inclusion of a ban in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, currently progressing through Parliament.
Sir Michael Caine expressed his support for the NSPCC campaign, underscoring the need for England to align with other countries like Wales and Scotland in protecting children from physical punishment.
Bafta-winner Samantha Morton echoed the sentiment, calling for clear, equal, and protective laws for children in England. She emphasized the importance of safeguarding children from harm and ensuring their safety.
The Department for Education stated that while monitoring legal changes in Wales and Scotland regarding reasonable punishment, there are no immediate plans to legislate. They highlighted the forthcoming Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill as a significant step toward child protection, aiming to overhaul the children’s social care system and enhance information sharing to prevent vulnerable children from being overlooked.