Do you think the government has a right to interfere with family life?

The UK government's new consultation paper aims to address the changing core of society to ensure the best for children and their parents

Prime Minister Tony Blair described the package as "practical measures to support family life, to offer help when wanted so that families can bring up their children properly".

The government is particularly keen to combat child poverty and the rising number of teenage pregnancies. Other proposals include a 24-hour advice helpline for parents, action on domestic violence, relationship counselling and divorce education.

The consultation paper supports marriage but is careful not to condemn the lifestyles of those who choose not to wed.

Is this more evidence that the UK is becoming a nanny state?

Director of Family and Youth Concern, Valerie Riches believes the government should stay out of people's homes.

"The government is aiming to interfere in the family situation, it's like a fascist state.

This is an example of more jobs for the boys and more bureaucracy," she said.

But Home Secretary Jack Straw does not think the government is intruding.

"What we are doing is recognising the family is under quite severe strain," he said.

Jim Parton, chairman of Families Need Fathers, said: "I think the government's heart is in the right place.

"They've identified a problem. A lot of marriages and relationships are breaking down and something must be done."

What do you think?

Family: Is it the government's business?

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