Revolt as smacking Bill fails

Smacking children will remain legal despite a last-ditch campaign to outlaw it.

After a brief but highly charged debate last night, an amendment to the Children Bill outlawing "hitting" was rejected by 424 to 75 - a majority of 349.

But Tony Blair suffered a Labour backbench rebellion as 47 of his MPs defied a three-line whip to vote for a total ban.

The Bill will allow mild smacking, while barring any which causes bruising.

The changes make little difference since parents who inflict such harm can already be prosecuted.