British stars call on the Prime Minister to outlaw all forms of physical punishment against children.

A Call for Change

October 14, 2025: A group of British celebrities has come together to urge Prime Minister Keir Starmer to ban smacking in England. The open letter calls on the government to remove the legal defence of “reasonable punishment,” which currently allows parents and guardians to physically discipline children under certain circumstances.

The campaign, organized by leading child welfare groups, emphasizes that physical punishment causes lasting harm and sends the wrong message about violence and discipline.

Stars Take a Stand

Among those supporting the call are legendary actor Sir Michael Caine, football icon Alan Shearer, and actresses Natalie Dormer and Samantha Morton. The signatories have united under a shared belief that children deserve the same legal protection from assault as adults.

The campaign also has strong backing from the NSPCC, Barnardo’s, and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health — all of which have long advocated for an end to corporal punishment.

England Lags Behind

While both Scotland and Wales have already banned smacking — with Wales introducing its ban in 2022 and Scotland in 2020 — England continues to allow it under “reasonable” circumstances. Campaigners argue that this outdated exception undermines child protection laws and must be abolished immediately.

A Push for Policy Reform

Advocates are calling for the ban to be added to the upcoming Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which is currently being discussed in Parliament. They believe this amendment would align England with modern standards of child welfare and signal a compassionate shift in parenting laws.

Despite growing pressure, government officials have stated that there are currently no immediate plans to legislate a ban — but campaigners remain hopeful that public and celebrity support will encourage a rethink.

Protecting the Next Generation

Supporters of the movement say that physical punishment not only harms children emotionally but also normalizes aggression as a means of control. They argue that positive parenting methods are far more effective in shaping behavior and building trust.

With more public figures stepping up to voice their support, the debate over England’s smacking laws is gaining national attention — and many believe a change may finally be on the horizon.