London - Parents in England and Wales can continue smacking their children without interference from the state, the British government announced yesterday.
Ministers have concluded they do not need to change the law which allows parents to use "reasonable chastisement" in disciplining their youngsters.
Outlining a "common sense" approach to the "difficult" issue, the Health Minister, Ms Jacqui Smith, said a change in the law on smacking was not considered "appropriate". "It would neither command public support nor be capable of consistent enforcement," she said.
A total ban on smacking would not help parents to raise their children or "help us to be better parents", she insisted.