Football pundit Alan Shearer and actor Sir Michael Caine have called on Sir Keir Starmer to prohibit the smacking of children in England. The duo is among a significant number of celebrities signing a letter, backed by the NSPCC, that is being delivered to Downing Street today, reports BritPanorama.
Sir Michael expressed pride in supporting the initiative to end what he termed a “damaging and harmful practice.” Notably, the letter, which includes signatures from actors Natalie Dormer and Samantha Morton, highlights that children in England have less legal protection from physical harm than adults, as smacking remains permissible under certain conditions.
While both Wales and Scotland have enacted bans on all forms of corporal punishment, in England, parents retain the right to invoke “reasonable punishment” under the Children Act 2004. The campaigners argue that this allowance sends a troubling message regarding the acceptability of physical discipline.
The letter characterizes the current legal defense as “outdated and damaging,” stating it has “no place in 21st century England.” It further asserts, “It is harm, plain and simple,” and emphasizes that permitting such actions creates a dangerous precedent.
Legislative Push and Government Response
Activists are advocating for a legislative amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which is currently progressing through Parliament. In response, a spokesperson for the Department for Education stated that while they are closely examining the legal changes executed in Wales and Scotland regarding reasonable punishment, the government has no immediate plans to legislate on the matter.
