MY CALL FOR EQUAL PROTECTION FOR CHILDREN UNDER THE LAW

21st March 2025

I am leading the charge to ensure that children receive the same legal protection from assault as adults by introducing an amendment to the Government’s Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. My amendment seeks to remove the outdated ‘reasonable punishment’ defence, which currently allows physical punishment of children to go unchallenged in certain circumstances.

In 2025, it is simply unacceptable that children—the most vulnerable members of our society—have less protection from assault than adults. The current law is unclear, inconsistent, and exposes children to harm. My amendment will provide the clarity and protection they deserve by abolishing the common law defence of ‘reasonable punishment’ in England.

I am proud to have the backing of leading child protection organisations, including the NSPCC, Barnardo’s, the Children’s Commissioner for England, and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. These organisations have long highlighted the harmful effects of physical punishment on children’s health, development, and well-being. Their support reinforces what research has made clear: physical punishment does not improve child behaviour. Instead, studies from The Lancet and other research bodies show it is linked to increased aggression, mental health issues, and a higher likelihood of future physical abuse.

Furthermore, reports from the Children’s Commissioner emphasise that the ‘reasonable punishment’ defence creates legal ambiguity, making it difficult for professionals to intervene in cases of potential abuse. This amendment would bring England in line with Scotland and Wales, where similar legal loopholes have already been removed. Globally, over 60 countries, including Ireland, Sweden, and Germany, have introduced similar protections for children.

Let me be clear: this amendment is not about criminalising parents for minor incidents. Instead, it ensures that serious cases of physical punishment are recognised as unacceptable under the law. Alongside this legal change, I am calling for a public awareness campaign and a government review to help families adopt positive, evidence-based parenting techniques.

This amendment is about sending a clear message: children should never be subject to physical punishment. We must break the cycle of violence and support parents with better, research-backed approaches to discipline.

In the coming weeks, as part of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, this amendment will be debated in Parliament. I urge my colleagues across all parties to support this vital change and stand up for children’s rights.