The Children Bill
On the day of the vote I have received many more postcards and emails.
At present the split is almost 50/50 with both lobbies telling me they will never vote for a government that does/doesn't introduce a ban. Most tellingly for me is the plea to vote on the basis of my conscience and I personally cannot support smacking.
I will listen, take part and consider the Bill in the debate in the Commons today and vote accordingly - even though we have a 3line whip on this matter
2nd November 2004
Now that the Lords have voted on the issue we at least know what the vote will be about in the Commons when the Bill comes before us. I guess there will be other amendments tabled in the Commons again to include a full ban.
My general principle remains to introduce the same level of protection for children as for parents, whilst finding a law that actually works and can be enforced. Therefore, I will study the proposed amendments very carefully before deciding which way to vote. To date the pro smacking lobby is starting to win the postcard campaign !
July 5th 2004
There have been equal numbers of lobbyists on the issue of smacking as the Bill goes through the Lords - in advance of it returning to the Commons.
I have been surprised that the Christian lobby organisations have come out in favour of not giving the same rights as adults. I am depressed by the Christain response to this campaign - especially that of the Christian Institute who I fear are once again out of touch and depressingly narrow in their views of what is really important.
I do not favour the use of any assault on a child. I do belive they should have the same legal protection as adults in society. We already do too much damage to our children.
I will look carefully though at the precise wording of the Bill - as much of the hype surounding lobbying misses the point - and will vote to protect children. I do not support smacking/hitting of children and have come increasingly to this conclusion as a Christian father of 2 children. The use of fear from physical abuse by an adult 4 times bigger than a 5 year old is obscene and better parenting skills are required if that is all you have in your armoury!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/3728561.stm
for the arguments