Irvine casts doubt on Blunkett plans

Discord between two Cabinet ministers over plans to make parents
attend residential parenting classes as a means of tackling
antisocial behaviour has come to light.

Lord chancellor, Lord Irvine, has reportedly written to home
secretary David Blunkett strongly criticising the proposals, first
mentioned in the antisocial behaviour white paper published in
March.

A leaked letter from Irvine to Blunkett, and copied to the Prime
Minister, says: “Some will regard a court order imposing a
residence requirement… as a draconian or extreme example of the
nanny state.”

Irvine is thought to have questioned whether such orders
represent a breach of parents’ human rights.