Wrexham AM welcomes plans to introduce smacking ban in Wales

Wrexham’s Assembly Member has welcomed plans to introduce a smacking ban in Wales.

Last week the Welsh Government announced the launch of a 12-week consultation which proposes to remove the defence of reasonable punishment in Wales.

It forms part of a much wider package of measures the Welsh Government is taking to support children to have the best start in life, and to support their parents to do the best job they can.

The proposed legislation would not involve the creation of a new offence. It would instead remove a defence to the existing offences of assault and battery. It would mean any adult looking after a child would no longer be able to use physical or corporal punishment against them.

Wrexham Assembly Member, Lesley Griffiths has welcomed the move and said: “These proposals are all about fairness, equality, protecting children and their rights.”

“There is no doubt times have changed. Years ago, legislation was introduced banning physical punishment of children in schools and childcare settings. This move by the Welsh Government, following in the footsteps of many other nations around the world, aims to ensure physical punishment of children is no longer acceptable anywhere.”

“The measures have sparked a national debate and I would encourage as many local residents as possible to have their say to help shape the legislation moving forward.”