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25/10/2007
Smacking Ban Ruled Out By Ministers
Ministers have rejected a complete ban on smacking, following a government review, which found that the majority of parents were opposed to one.
Children's Minister Kevin Brennan announced that the laws, which were tightened in England and Wales in 2004, would remain unchanged.
Mr Brennan told MPs that although many parents said that they did not smack their children, most remained opposed to an outright smacking ban.
The Children's Act 2004, which came into force in January 2005, allows mild smacking, but not any punishment which resulted in visible bruising, grazes, scratches, minor swellings or cuts.
The laws were tightened in order to remove the defence of "reasonable punishment" from parents or carers who were charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, wounding or grievous bodily harm or cruelty to a child.
The government has been reviewing the law to see if it was working.
Some organisations, including children's charity the NSPCC, have been calling for a total ban on smacking.
(KMcA)
Children's Minister Kevin Brennan announced that the laws, which were tightened in England and Wales in 2004, would remain unchanged.
Mr Brennan told MPs that although many parents said that they did not smack their children, most remained opposed to an outright smacking ban.
The Children's Act 2004, which came into force in January 2005, allows mild smacking, but not any punishment which resulted in visible bruising, grazes, scratches, minor swellings or cuts.
The laws were tightened in order to remove the defence of "reasonable punishment" from parents or carers who were charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, wounding or grievous bodily harm or cruelty to a child.
The government has been reviewing the law to see if it was working.
Some organisations, including children's charity the NSPCC, have been calling for a total ban on smacking.
(KMcA)
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19 May 2004
Majority of public backs smacking ban, according to poll
A 19th century law permitting the smacking of children in the home should be redrawn to ban the practice, according to a Mori poll published today.
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06 May 2003
No smacking rules outlined for childminders
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Childminders in England will not be able to smack or smoke in front of children from this September. Changes to national standards will also mean that childminders can look after more than one child under the age of one if they have the right training and experience.
18 September 2006
New laws on child car seats comes into force
New laws requiring more children to use child car restraints have come into force today. Under the new legislation, children aged under 12 who also measure less than 135cm - 4ft 5in - will have to use the right child restraint when travelling in cars, vans and good vehicles.
New laws on child car seats comes into force
New laws requiring more children to use child car restraints have come into force today. Under the new legislation, children aged under 12 who also measure less than 135cm - 4ft 5in - will have to use the right child restraint when travelling in cars, vans and good vehicles.
20 February 2013
BP Tanker Drivers To Strike Over Pension And Pay Dispute
Grangemouth oil refinery tanker drivers will walk out for three days next Friday in a dispute over pensions and pay. The Unite members at the Forth estuary facility, employed by BP, will also ban overtime from Monday in action the union said would hit aviation supplies and deliveries to BP forecourts across Scotland and the north east of England.
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29 November 2005
MPs set to debate smoking plans
MPs will debate government plans to introduce a partial smoking ban in England and Wales, when the legislation returns to the House of Commons for its second reading today. The Health Bill includes proposals to introduce a smoking ban in public places, but with exemptions for pubs and bars, which do not serve food and private members’ clubs.
MPs set to debate smoking plans
MPs will debate government plans to introduce a partial smoking ban in England and Wales, when the legislation returns to the House of Commons for its second reading today. The Health Bill includes proposals to introduce a smoking ban in public places, but with exemptions for pubs and bars, which do not serve food and private members’ clubs.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
