Children: Physical Punishment

Lord Wigley Excerpts

Tuesday 16th June 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Smith of Malvern (Lab)]

One of the important points about the legislation that we have just taken through this House is a stronger duty to report abuse and to share information. We must continue to support and train all professional staff who work with children to understand their responsibilities to both recognise and report abuse when they see it.

[Lord Wigley (PC)]

My Lords, does the Minister agree that there has been overwhelming acceptance in Wales of the policy that was introduced by the former Labour Government? In the recent election, there was hardly an issue on this matter arising. Will she take the opportunity to discuss with her two colleagues who are former First Ministers of Wales how this policy has been implemented?

[Baroness Smith of Malvern (Lab)]

As I have already said, we have looked carefully at the first report into the implementation of the changes in Wales. I think I said that we looked at the conclusions, particularly around the need for professional confidence, inter-agency collaboration and a wider availability of parenting support. Those are exactly the provisions that we are putting in place, through investment and through the legislation that has just gone through this House.