Welsh Government to open consultation on removing the defence of reasonable chastisement

Date: 12th July 2017
Category: General measures of implementation

The Welsh Government has confirmed that it will open a consultation on removing the defence of reasonable chastisement with an aim to legislate in 2018.

First Minister Carwyn Jones told Assembly Members (AMs) of the plans during his presentation of the government's legislative programme. He stated to the Welsh Assembly that 'this Government is committed to seeking cross-party support for legislation to remove the defence of reasonable chastisement' and that the party 'stand firm in our commitment to pursuing a change in the law' and that they are 'continuing to work through the legal complexities to develop a Bill to make this a reality.'

The move to consult on the removal of the defence of reasonable chastisement follows longstanding calls for change from Labour backbenchers. The consultation was also part of an agreement between Plaid Cymru and Welsh Labour which resulted in Plaid Cymru backing Carwyn Jones as first minister. Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies has stated that his members will have a free vote on the issue.

The government will be consulting on proposals to remove the defence of reasonable chastisement over the course of the next 12 months and intend to introduce a Bill in the third year of this Assembly term.

• Read the BBC news article on the announcement here.
• Read the announcement that was made to the Welsh Assembly here.