More than 20 Labour MPs have called for a free vote on the contentious Clause 56 that would allow parents to lightly smack their children but not cause wounding or actual bodily harm. Backbenchers, supported by children's charities, want an opportunity to vote freely in favour of a complete smacking ban.
Instead, there are plans to use Government whips to force Labour MPs to vote against the ban on physical punishment.
Tony Blair appeared to signal his opposition to a complete ban during Prime Minister's Questions last Wednesday. Mr Blair said, 'It is important that we recognise that most parents can tell the difference between disciplining their child and abuse of their child.
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