On Monday 22nd September 2025, CiNI member organisation NSPCC NI hosted a significant visit to Northern Ireland by Julie Morgan MS, Labour politician and former Deputy Minister for Social Services in Wales. Julie has been a leading voice in the campaign for children’s rights, playing a central role in bringing forward legal change in Wales to remove the defence of “reasonable punishment” and provide children with equal protection from assault in March 2022.

During her visit facilitated by the NSPCC, CiNI was privileged to meet with Julie to hear directly about the Welsh journey – the challenges faced, the lessons learned, and the impact of the legal change since its implementation. This was a valuable opportunity to consider what Northern Ireland can learn from Wales as we continue to press for reform.

CiNI CEO and Head of Policy pictured with Julie Morgan and NSPCC colleagues.

Julie Morgan’s visit to CiNI

Julie Morgan went on to speak at an NSPCC NI reception in the Long Gallery, Parliament Buildings, sponsored by Michelle Guy MLA, Danny Baker MLA and Claire Sugden MLA. The event brought together politicians, practitioners, and advocates to discuss why equal protection from physical punishment is urgently needed in Northern Ireland.

Alongside Julie Morgan, other speakers included:

  • Michelle Guy MLA, Alliance Party
  • Caroline Cunningham, Policy and Public Affairs Manager, NSPCC NI
  • Chris Quinn, Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People
  • Dr Julie-Ann Meany, Paediatric Consultant in Emergency Medicine and representing the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) in Northern Ireland.

Speakers at the NSPCC Northern Ireland Equal Protection Reception

Speakers at the NSPCC Northern Ireland Equal Protection Reception

CiNI’s Chief Executive, Natalie Whelehan, also had the opportunity to speak at the event and take part in the panel discussion. Natalie highlighted the urgent need for legal reform to give children the same protection from assault as adults. She also drew on insights from Parentline NI, the regional helpline for parents and carers, sharing the perspectives of parents who want clear guidance and support in using positive discipline rather than physical punishment.

Panel discussion during the NSPCC event

Panel discussion during the NSPCC event

This event was a powerful reminder that change is both possible and necessary. Governments in Wales, Scotland, Jersey and the Republic of Ireland have already taken this step, and Northern Ireland’s children should not be left behind. CiNI will continue to work with our members, partners, and decision-makers to make equal protection a reality for every child.

On Monday 22nd September 2025, CiNI member organisation NSPCC NI hosted a significant visit to Northern Ireland by Julie Morgan MS, Labour politician and former Deputy Minister for Social Services in Wales. Julie has been a leading voice in the campaign for children’s rights, playing a central role in bringing forward legal change in Wales to remove the defence of “reasonable punishment” and provide children with equal protection from assault in March 2022.

During her visit facilitated by the NSPCC, CiNI was privileged to meet with Julie to hear directly about the Welsh journey – the challenges faced, the lessons learned, and the impact of the legal change since its implementation. This was a valuable opportunity to consider what Northern Ireland can learn from Wales as we continue to press for reform.

CiNI CEO and Head of Policy pictured with Julie Morgan and NSPCC colleagues.

Julie Morgan’s visit to CiNI

Julie Morgan went on to speak at an NSPCC NI reception in the Long Gallery, Parliament Buildings, sponsored by Michelle Guy MLA, Danny Baker MLA and Claire Sugden MLA. The event brought together politicians, practitioners, and advocates to discuss why equal protection from physical punishment is urgently needed in Northern Ireland.

Alongside Julie Morgan, other speakers included:

  • Michelle Guy MLA, Alliance Party
  • Caroline Cunningham, Policy and Public Affairs Manager, NSPCC NI
  • Chris Quinn, Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People
  • Dr Julie-Ann Meany, Paediatric Consultant in Emergency Medicine and representing the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) in Northern Ireland.

Speakers at the NSPCC Northern Ireland Equal Protection Reception

Speakers at the NSPCC Northern Ireland Equal Protection Reception

CiNI’s Chief Executive, Natalie Whelehan, also had the opportunity to speak at the event and take part in the panel discussion. Natalie highlighted the urgent need for legal reform to give children the same protection from assault as adults. She also drew on insights from Parentline NI, the regional helpline for parents and carers, sharing the perspectives of parents who want clear guidance and support in using positive discipline rather than physical punishment.

Panel discussion during the NSPCC event

Panel discussion during the NSPCC event

This event was a powerful reminder that change is both possible and necessary. Governments in Wales, Scotland, Jersey and the Republic of Ireland have already taken this step, and Northern Ireland’s children should not be left behind. CiNI will continue to work with our members, partners, and decision-makers to make equal protection a reality for every child.