British leaders debate morality laws

LONDON, Dec. 10 (UPI) -- In a crusade for personal morality, Britain's opposition Tory Party is calling for no prosecution of those who use force against youths in self-defense.

The Guardian reported that the Conservatives' shadow attorney general, Dominic Grieve, said people who slapped or scuffled with troublesome youths while attempting to stop a crime should not face prosecution. When asked about family violence, Grieve said parents should be responsible for their children.

Grieve said British citizens nowadays may be hesitant to stop a crime for fear the criminal will press charges if violence is used, the report said.

"They take the view that if the matter gets out of control, there's a danger that if they lay hands on the young person they might be liable to prosecution for assault, even if their response is proportionate," Grieve said.

This stance conflicts with some recent campaigns to be more sympathetic to troubled youth, the Guardian reported.