LETTER: Men have responsibilities in family life

From Ms Carole Tongue, MEP

Sir: British society is not renowned for its great affection for women and children. They are invariably the butt of a patriarchal morality.

Andrew Marr's article ("Tony Blair's new moral imperative", l4 November) is a welcome reminder to the upper echelons of male-dominated business that they, too, have responsibilities and duties in a modern, civilised society. An admirable recognition of this would be to embrace the European Social chapter and legislation which will empower the lives of women and children in particular. One longs to hear one male voice from industry support the proposed European Union directive on parental leave that would enhance family life in this country.

Yours sincerely,

Carole Tongue

MEP for London East (Lab)

Strasbourg, France

15 November