Sir Michael Caine and Alan Shearer among stars to urge PM to ban ‘harmful’ smacking
Actor Sir Michael Caine and football legend Alan Shearer called on the Prime Minister to ban smacking and lead with “courage and compassion”.
Their defense is contained in a letter signed by several people to Sir Keir Starmer, which will be delivered to Downing Street on Tuesday.
Sir Michael said he was “proud to be part of the call for an end to such a ‘harmful and damaging practice’.”
The signatories, including actors Natalie Dormer and Samantha Morton, argue that British law gives children less protection from physical harm than adults because spanking remains legal.
Wales made all forms of corporal punishment, including slapping, hitting, slapping and shaking, illegal in March 2022, while Scotland introduced a similar ban in November 2020.
However, under the Children’s Act 2004 in England, it is illegal to hit your child unless it is “reasonable punishment” and this is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
There is a similar defense to spanking in Northern Ireland, and the change in law there requires the approval of the Stormont Executive.
The letter stated that “the outdated and counterproductive defense in the law still allows a parent or guardian to claim that it is okay to physically harm their child.”
The signatories insist it has “no place in 21st century Britain”.
The letter, co-ordinated by the NSPCC and supported by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and children’s charity Barnardo’s, said: “We believe it is never ‘reasonable’ to hit a child.
“This is harm, plain and simple. And the current law sends a dangerous message that hitting a child is justifiable.”
Addressing Sir Keir directly, the signatories said: “Prime Minister, this is your opportunity to be bold and lead with courage and compassion.
“We ask you to stand up with us for every child’s right to safety, dignity and respect. It is time to put a complete end to corporal punishment of children in England.”
Sir Michael said: “I am proud to sign this letter and support this NSPCC campaign calling for an end to corporal punishment of children in England.
“Many countries around the world, including Wales and Scotland, have already changed the law to ensure children have the same protection as adults.
“Now it is time for the UK to join them and draw a clear line under this damaging and harmful practice.”
Campaigners are calling for the ban to be made law by amending the Children’s Welfare and Schools Bill, which is currently going through Parliament.
Bafta-winning actress Morton, who is the NSPCC’s childhood ambassador, said: “Corporal punishment of children is never reasonable and the law in England needs to be changed to address this.
“It is unclear, harmful and less protective of children than adults.
“I am proud to stand alongside the NSPCC in Downing Street today and call on the Government to take action to protect children, ensuring the law is clear, equal and, above all, keeps every child out of harm.”
A Department for Education spokesman said: “Whilst we are closely examining legislative changes in Wales and Scotland regarding reasonable penalties, we have no plans to legislate at this stage.
“A key part of our plan for change, the landmark Child Welfare and Schools Bill represents the most transformative piece of child protection legislation in a generation, including wholesale reform of the children’s social care system and better information sharing between education, health and social care professionals to prevent vulnerable children from falling through the cracks.”
