3. Statement by the Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services: The Children (Abolition of Defence of Reasonable Punishment) (Wales) Bill

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:21 pm on 26 March 2019.

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Photo of Mandy Jones Mandy Jones UKIP 4:21, 26 March 2019

I have had many e-mails and letters on this matter, and not one has been in support of it, as we already have law in this place. A smack is this. This proposed ban will criminalise the mother, the father or the carer who is seeking to protect their child from danger and trying to draw boundaries. So, a parent administering a small tap will now be treated as a child abuser. Do you think this is reasonable? I do not advocate physical chastisement, but I do advocate staying out of people's living rooms and their lives. I feel it's relevant to tell you my own story—[Interruption.] Can you be quiet, please? I didn't interrupt when you were speaking.