Wales targets next step in child protection bid

THE devolved administrations in Wales and Scotland look set to be the first in the UK to remove a legal loophole which can be used by parents to excuse the physical punishment of their children.

Julie Morgan, AM for Cardiff North, said: “The Scottish Government has announced it will support moves to go ahead with a change in the law there and it will give a free vote on a private members’ bill being brought forward by Green MSP John Finnie.”

The move was announced in its Programme for Scotland for 20172018 and a consultation has already taken place which received overwhelming support.

Mrs Morgan added: “I’m very pleased that the Welsh Government has also promised to change the law in Wales and we will see if Scotland or Wales becomes the first UK nation to change the law and join the 53 other countries in the world who have done this in order to protect children. I will be maintaining close links with colleagues in Scotland and watching their progress with interest.”

John Finnie MSP said: “It’s great to hear that the Welsh Government is pressing ahead with plans to remove the defence of ‘reasonable punishment’ in Wales. I have received considerable support for my Scottish Parliament Member’s Bill which aims to remove the equivalent Scots Law defence of ‘justifiable assault.’ This will ensure children are afforded the same legal protection as everyone else in society.”