Stars call on PM to ban child smacking

ACTOR Sir Michael Caine and former England footballer Alan Shearer have called on the Prime Minister to ban smacking, urging him to be “brave and lead with courage and compassion”.

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They are among a host of famous faces and campaigners who have signed a letter to Sir Keir Starmer to be handed in to Downing Street today.

Sir Michael said he is proud to be part of the call for an end to such a “damaging and harmful practice”.

The signatories, including actors Natalie Dormer and Samantha Morton, argue that in England, where smacking is not completely outlawed, children have less protection from physical harm than adults.

Wales made any type of corporal punishment illegal in March 2022, while Scotland introduced a similar ban in November 2020.