Consultation on the Children (Abolition of Defence of Reasonable Punishment) (Wales) Bill

Tystiolaeth i’r Pwyllgor Plant, Pobl Ifanc ac Addysg ar gyfer craffu Cyfnod 1 Bil Plant (Diddymu Amddiffyniad Cosb Resymol) (Cymru)

Evidence submitted to the Children, Young People and Education Committee for Stage 1 scrutiny of the Children (Abolition of Defence of Reasonable Punishment) (Wales) Bill

CADRP-317

CADRP-317

 

About you

Individual

1      The Bill’s general principles

1.1     Do you support the principles of the Children (Abolition of Defence of Reasonable Punishment) (Wales) Bill?

— No

1.2     Please outline your reasons for your answer to question 1.1

(we would be grateful if you could keep your answer to around 1000 words)

The current bill protects children from abuse. It should be left unchanged.

1.3     Do you think there is a need for legislation to deliver what this Bill is trying to achieve?

(we would be grateful if you could keep your answer to around 1000 words)

NO. This Bill is highly suspect. Since children in Wales are already adequately protected from abuse by the current law, and 76% of Welsh parents polled are against the Bill, and expert child psychologists have repeatedly slated the bill, it begs the question, in this democratic society, why the Welsh Assembly insists on taking control of families in Wales: 1. Against the will of its people; and 2. Against the experts in the field.

2      The Bill’s implementation

2.1     Do you have any comments about any potential barriers to  implementing the Bill? If no, go to question 3.1

(we would be grateful if you could keep your answer to around 1000 words)

Yes. The police are already stretched to their limits. Prosecuting loving parents in this ridiculous manner will take up their time when they should be keeping us safe. Also, those poor children who are genuinely abused will be at far greater risk as resources and staff in the field are stretched way beyond efficiency. Do you really want that on your conscience????

2.2     Do you think the Bill takes account of these potential barriers?

(we would be grateful if you could keep your answer to around 1000 words)

NO! You appear to be moving forward relentlessly oblivious to the will of the Welsh people you are supposed to be representing.

3      Unintended consequences

3.1     Do you think there are there any unintended consequences arising from the Bill? If no, go to question 4.1

(we would be grateful if you could keep your answer to around 1000 words)

Yes. All of us in Wales will potentially be at more risk of crime as our police work on criminalizing loving parents.

4      Financial implications

4.1     Do you have any comments on the financial implications of the Bill (as set out in Part 2 of the Explanatory Memorandum)? If no, go to question 5.1

(we would be grateful if you could keep your answer to around 1000 words)

Yes. We will be expected to foot the bill for this terrible and unwanted Bill.

5      Other considerations

5.1     Do you have any other points you wish to raise about this Bill?

(we would be grateful if you could keep your answer to around 1000 words)

Historically the Welsh have suffered at the hands of English government. This begs the question why, with the wonderful opportunities you have to show what a great country Wales is, and how marvelous its people are, you are pushing on so wholly against the will of the people with this horrendous intrusion by the State into family life in Wales. It actually beggars belief!