Parents CAN smack their children

The Government has decided to reject calls to make it illegal for parents to smack their children.

After a nationwide review showing that people did not want to see smacking banned, Health Secretary Alan Milburn will announce today that parents who use "reasonable chastisement" will not face prosecution.

Health Minister Jaqui Smith also said a change in the law on smacking is not considered "appropriate" at the present time, adding: "It would neither command public support nor be capable of enforcement."

The news was greeted with anger and dismay by children's charities who have accused ministers of adopting a "Dickensian" approach to childcare which would lead to more children being abused.

The Government decision follows a widespread consultation on the physical punishment of children ordered after the European Court of Human Rights found that Britain failed to protect a boy whose stepfather beat him with a cane. The consultations found that 70 per cent of UK parents feel the law should remain as it stands.

Mr Milburn's decision not to act on the advice from child protection experts, who wanted a ban, was described as scandalous by NSPCC director Mary Marsh, who said: "The Dickensian idea of reasonable chastisement has no place in a modern civilised society.

"Children should enjoy the same legal protection from being hit as that afforded to adults. Anything less puts children at risk."

Ms Marsh also argued that the Government had misread the public mood by avoiding outlawing the hitting of children. She added: "It is scandalous that the Government has ignored the view of virtually every child protection and health professional in the country." The Department of Health is, however, expected to say that the definition of what constitutes " reasonable chastisement" will be kept under review to ensure there are proper safeguards for children.

But the decision not to legislate puts Westminster at odds with the Scottish Parliament where the devolved administration is preparing to ban all physical punishment of under-threes.

There is also the danger for ministers of a revolt on the issue from their own backbenches.

The chairman of the Commons Health Committee, David Hinchcliffe, said: "There is a lot of unease among a significant number of MPs about lack of progress on this question."

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