Bill English MP
National Party Deputy Leader

29 March 2007

Cullen repeats Clark’s contempt for parents

“Opponents of the anti-smacking bill have been described as bashers and thrashers of children, religious fanatics and extremists in Parliament today,” says National Party Deputy Leader Bill English.

Responding to questions from Mr English, Michael Cullen repeated Labour’s view that opposition to the bill is lead by extremists and fundamentalists.

“Labour is showing contempt for the large silent majority of New Zealanders who have children and resent Labour’s arrogance.

“In the week when Helen Clark has publicly and personally supported the anti-smacking bill, independent polling shows that more than 80% of New Zealanders oppose the legislation.

“Labour’s plans to push the bill through against overwhelming public opposition shows they are in damage control mode.

“Helen Clark has claimed the bill won’t ban smacking, but it will. Worse than that is Labour’s contempt for parents as shown by these derogatory comments repeated in Parliament.”

Mr English says Helen Clark has turned her back on the values she once claimed were fundamental to her Government.

“When she said in Opposition that politicians needed to listen to the voices of their communities, New Zealanders may have believed her. They will think twice next time before taking statements from her at face value.”

ENDS

"We want communities to have a real say in the policies which affect them." - Helen Clark.

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