Evangelicals Question Blair’s New Respect Policies

The British government this week has announced clearly its new proposals to instil respect into the public. However, evangelicals in the UK have questioned whether the government is fully dedicated to the long-term fight to bring about respect, or simply using it as a short-term political gimmick.

|PIC1|Prime Minister Tony Blair unveiled a number of plans for the new agenda, including the possibility of nuisance neighbours being disciplined, as well as more parenting orders, and on-the-spot fine powers being given to the police.

Bob Reitemeier, from the Children's Society, commented that the idea to evict nuisance neighbours for short periods as “shock tactics” when the highest priority should be the government's promise of accessible support for families.

The Evangelical Alliance has stated that the new scheme is one which it hopes to support if it proves to facilitate and engender respect into the community.

However, the alliance has also said that there is the danger that the respect agenda could turn into a short-term political gimmick.

R.David Muir, Public Policy Director at the Evangelical Alliance, said, “Respect cannot be imposed on individuals or communities; it has to be taught and caught from the good example of those around us, including the Government.

“If the Government is really serious about tackling the causes, rather than the incidence of anti-social behaviour and lack of ‘respect’ in society, it must do more to support agencies and groups who are seeking to mentor young people and families and instil values over the long term.”
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In 2005 Blair established a “respect” task-force, and the plans unveiled this week are the first solid fruits of its work, with up to sixteen ministers reportedly being dispatched around the country to spread the message of respect.

Taking a different approach to the government, the Evangelical Alliance has been involved in promoting respect in the community via a highly successful launch of the first National Champions of Respect Awards.

The awards looked to honour those young people that were making a real positive contribution to their communities and spreading respect.

The overall prize of the awards was dedicated to the memory of murdered teenager Anthony Walker that was killed in a racist attack last year.