Education Secretary ‘open-minded’ on spanking ban but no legislation planned

The Education Secretary said he had an “open mind” about the ban on spanking children, but the Government has no plans to change the law anytime soon.

Bridget Phillipson stated that she would like to hear more from experts about how such legislation might work; This was a change of tone from the previous Tory government, which said it was parents’ responsibility to discipline their children.

The statement comes after Children’s Commissioner Rachel de Souza said the ban was a necessary safeguarding step and suggested similar measures already in place in Scotland and Wales should be adopted in England.

Asked whether she supported the proposal, Ms Phillipson told the BBC’s show with Laura Kuenssberg on Sunday: “We are considering it, but it’s not an area where we plan to legislate any time soon.

“I would love to hear from the Children’s Commissioner and others on how this will work. I’m open-minded about this. “It’s not something we plan to legislate, but I think we need to look at how we keep kids safe.”

He said the measures set out in the Child Welfare Bill, which will be introduced “by the end of the year”, will address many issues related to the social care and protection of children.

The previous Conservative government said it did not condone all forms of violence against children but said “clear laws are in place to prevent it” and argued parents should be trusted with discipline.

But campaigners have called for an end to the legal defense of “reasonable punishment” set out in the Children’s Act 2004, which parents can claim if prosecuted.

Children’s charity Barnardo’s, which has long called for a ban on slapping, welcomed the Education Secretary’s words.

Chief executive Lynn Perry said: “We are delighted that a ban on spanking children is being considered in England.

“Any form of violence against children is unacceptable. We know it is harmful to children’s health and development, and there is strong evidence that it affects attitudes towards violence.

“It is time for children to be legally protected from corporal punishment everywhere in the UK.”