The UK's four children's commissioners want the Government to allow a free vote in Parliament to ban the smacking of children and young people.

They release a joint statement this week to coincide with the anniversary of the adoption of the amendment to the 2004 Children Act on 15 January 2005, which stated that parents and carers could hit children as long as it does not leave a mark.

Sara Reid, assistant children's commissioner for Wales, said: "The Welsh Assembly Government supports our position on banning smacking. We need the UK Government to catch up on how things are here and amend the law." The Welsh Assembly would have to rely on Westminster to pass an amendment to the Children Act, which covers England and Wales. But Northern Ireland will need to wait until an assembly is set up.