I understand that the NSPCC and others are campaigning for changes to legislation that will provide children with the same protection against assault as is currently available to men and women. I warmly welcome your efforts in taking part in the email campaign.

This is a subject about which people have deeply held and strong opinions, I know this from regularly talking to parents on school gates in Swindon, and because I was previously a teacher. Some parents are in favour of smacking and some against.

I am a huge supporter of the Government's initiatives to reform the law on the physical chastisement of children, including the 2004 outlawing of any hitting of children which leaves any lasting physical marks. Alongside the government's work to cut by 2.1 million the number of children living in poverty, this was a huge step forward for child welfare.

I believe the government and courts have taken a common sense approach in response to the difficult and sensitive issue of the physical punishment of children. They have the difficult job of balancing the needs of children with the reality of the difficulties of parenting. Further, I do not believe a change to the law at this time would be possible because it would neither command widespread public support nor be capable of consistent enforcement.