Dear Editor,

In relation to the chastisement of children, it is well known that the Bible says in substance the rod should not be spared in the proper upbringing of a child. What is not well known is the common law, which in this context is the law immemorial that moderates correction by parents, teachers and other guardians is lawful and has been practised even without the knowledge that it is lawful.

I do not have to repeat the hackneyed saying that one is entitled to express his/her own opinion. This does not, in my humble opinion, apply to a person such as the prime minister, who in his capacity is expected not to express his opinion, like a private person, but only the opinion and decision of Cabinet, especially on matters of national importance such as a change in the law.

What of correctional children’s homes, which amount to imprisonment of children, some of whom are under the age to commit a crime, is that not far worse than moderate correction. Isn’t he considering creating more crime by criminalising the actions of parents and teachers who spontaneously make moderate correction, adding burden to the security and justice systems.

Our prime minister should instead focus on achieving his party’s promise of “5 in 4”, managing balance of payment problems, reducing poverty, and increasing employment.

Owen Crosbie

Mandeville, Manchester

oscrosbie123@gmail.com