British parliament firmly rejects smacking ban

Britain's parliament overwhelmingly rejected calls yesterday for all smacking of children to be outlawed despite the wishes of some in Prime Minister Tony Blair's Labour party.

Parliamentarians voted by 424 to 75 against a complete ban on smacking children although a handful of Labour members supported the motion - their second rebellion in as many days.

"Smacking is hitting and smacking hurts. It causes not only physical pain. It hurts inside too," said Labour MP David Hinchliffe, who moved the amendment to the government's Children's Bill.

"This amendment would criminalise hitting to exactly the same extent as hitting adults is criminalised."

Hinchliffe, head of parliament's Health Select Committee, said Britain was in breach of its obligations under the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child and the European Convention on Human Rights.

Mr Blair's spokesman said his party had been allowed a "free vote", following their consciences, on a separate amendment outlawing smacking that caused marks, bruising or mental harm.

But they were ordered to vote against a complete ban.

"Parents should be able to discipline their children... but within limits," the spokesman said.