Alan Shearer and Sir Michael Caine have joined forces to call on Keir Starmer to implement a complete ban on smacking in England. A coalition of advocates and well-known personalities, including actors Natalie Dormer and Samantha Morton, have penned a letter to the Prime Minister requesting a legal change to ensure children receive the same protection from harm as adults.
The letter, slated for hand delivery to No10, highlights concerns that the current legislation “sends a dangerous message that striking a child can be excused.” This initiative follows a YouGov poll in August revealing that 81% of parents believe using physical force against a child goes beyond acceptable boundaries.
Unlike Wales and Scotland, where corporal punishment, including smacking, has been outlawed, in England, hitting a child is only permissible under the notion of “reasonable punishment,” assessed case by case. Advocates are pushing to close this legal loophole to shield children from harm.
The coordinated effort by the NSPCC, backed by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and children’s charity Barnardo’s, emphasizes that hitting a child is never ‘reasonable’ and constitutes plain harm. The advocates urge Keir Starmer to demonstrate bravery and compassion by championing every child’s right to safety, dignity, and respect, advocating for an end to physical punishment of children in England.
A recent UCL study in 2024 revealed that over 20% of 10-year-olds in the UK experienced physical punishment between 2020 and 2021. Campaigners are pressing for the inclusion of a ban in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill currently progressing through Parliament.
Sir Michael expressed his support for the NSPCC campaign, emphasizing that England should follow in the footsteps of Wales and Scotland to safeguard children from physical punishment. He called for an end to this harmful practice once and for all.
Samantha Morton, a Bafta-winning actress and NSPCC supporter, echoed the sentiment, stressing that the law in England must change to provide clear and equal protection to children, ensuring their safety from harm. Meanwhile, the Department for Education stated that while they are monitoring legal changes in Wales and Scotland regarding ‘reasonable punishment,’ there are no immediate plans for legislation. They highlighted the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill as pivotal in transforming child protection laws, aiming to enhance the welfare of vulnerable children.