Michael Caine among stars calling for a ban on 'harmful' smacking

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

- By Aine Fox

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, 92, said he is proud to be part of the call to end to such a “damaging and harmful practice”.

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

BAFTA-winner Samantha, 48, an NSPCC ambassador for childhood, said: “Physical punishment of children is never reasonable and the law in England needs to be changed to address this. It’s vague, it’s harmful.”