Institute Update Issue 2 - May 2002

Executive embarrassed by Westminster’s decision

The decision by the Government not to introduce a smacking ban in England and Wales has embarrassed the Scottish Executive. The Executive has introduced a Bill banning the smacking of under-threes. The Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill also bans the use of implements, shaking and blows to the head.

The Executive claims it has been forced to change the law following a European court ruling. But the Westminster Government says this is not the case, and has decided not to introduce legislation for England and Wales.

The Scottish Executive has faced significant public disapproval of its proposals. There have been reports in the Scottish press that the Executive is willing to consider reducing the age under which a ban would be enforced. A crunch vote is expected in December.

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