Wales introduces ban on smacking and slapping children

Welsh government hails historic moment' for children's rights amid calls for England to follow suit

Smacking and slapping children has been outlawed in Wales, with people told to contact social services or police if they see a parent or carer meting out physical punishment.

The law change, which came into force first thing on Monday, was hailed as historic" by the Labour-led Welsh government and a number of child protection champions, who called for England to follow suit.