RESPECT AGENDA WILL NOT SUCCEED IF GOVERNMENT STICKS TO GIMMICKS AND SPIN: MULHOLLAND

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 9th Jan 2006

Commenting ahead of the expected publication tomorrow of the Prime Minister's Respect action plan, local MP Greg Mulholland said:

"If the Prime Minister is serious about helping families and communities to create a safer and more respectful society, we will support him. It is an enormous challenge and it cannot be achieved with this Government's usual mish-mash of gimmicks and spin.

"The proposal for a national parenting academy sounds like the worst sort of nanny-state. While many people with young children could benefit from meeting and talking to other families, decisions about parenting are ultimately decisions for parents.

"Central government cannot dictate how parents form loving relationships with their children."