site stats Alan Shearer and Sir Michael Caine urge Sir Keir Starmer to ban the smacking of children – Posopolis

Alan Shearer and Sir Michael Caine urge Sir Keir Starmer to ban the smacking of children

FOOTIE pundit Alan Shearer and actor Sir Michael Caine have urged Sir Keir Starmer to ban the smacking of children.

The pair are among dozens of stars who signed an NSPCC-backed letter being delivered to Downing Street today.

Alan Shearer looking on during a UEFA Champions League match.
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Alan Shearer has urged the PM to ban the smacking of children[/caption]

Michael Caine at the 61st BFI London Film Festival.
Sir Michael Caine is proud to support call to end what he describes as a ‘damaging and harmful practice’
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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaking at a press conference in Mumbai, India.
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Sir Keir Starmer has been urged to take action by the stars, who are among dozens to sign an NSPCC-backed letter[/caption]

Sir Michael said he was proud to support the call to end what he described as a “damaging and harmful practice”.

The signatories, including actors Natalie Dormer and Samantha Morton, said children in England have less protection from physical harm than adults because smacking is still legal under certain circumstances.

Wales and Scotland have already banned all forms of corporal punishment.

But in England parents can still claim “reasonable punishment” under the Children Act 2004.

The letter said this “outdated and damaging defence” has “no place in 21st century England.”

It adds: “It is harm, plain and simple.

“And the current law sends a dangerous message that striking a child can be excused.”

Campaigners want a ban to be legislated for through an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which is currently making its way through Parliament.

A Department for Education spokesperson said: “While we are looking closely at the legal changes made in Wales and Scotland in relation to reasonable punishment, we have no plans to legislate at this stage.”


Man about to hit a young girl, pulling her arm.
Alamy

Calls to ban the smacking of children have been voiced by stars (stock image)[/caption]

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