THE Tories were accused of stigmatising poor North-East parents last night after they said many resembled the feckless star of the TV show Shameless.
Tory work spokesman Chris Grayling criticised irresponsible mothers and fathers who, like the anti-hero Frank Gallagher on the Channel 4 programme, failed to teach basic skills such as talking and table manners, or the value of work.
Mr Grayling said such parents were concentrated in pockets of the North-East where nearly 40 per cent of households had no one in full-time work.
He highlighted the parliamentary constituencies of Houghton and Washington East (39 per cent), Middlesbrough (38), Stockton North (37), Hartlepool (37) and Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland (37) as problem areas let down by Labour.
The national average is 25 per cent, with the North-East average at 29 per cent.
Mr Grayling said: "Many parts of our society no longer know how to bring up children. We live in a country where, in many places, Frank Gallagher-style parenting has become the norm and not the exception.
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"Frank's kids might have turned out all right, but that was more luck than good judgment, and no thanks to him.
"There are too many communities where parents no longer know what good parenting is."
But the Tory spokesman was quickly condemned by a children's charity, which said his comments mirrored the party's past attacks on lone parents, an attitude that Mr Grayling has now apologised for.
Clare Tickell, of the National Children's Homes charity, said: "Any use of negative labels to describe vulnerable parents risks stigmatising and isolating those most in need.
"The fear of being labelled a bad parent deters adults from seeking help, perpetuating the problem of repeating bad parenting skills across the generations. It is time to move on from labelling and punishing parents to providing proper support."
In Shameless, 42-year-old Gallagher is described as constantly "roaring drunk, angry and self-pitying" and as "the biggest kid of the family".
Mr Grayling said: "There is an absence of parental ambition and of a knowledge of how to parent."
Quoting a headteacher he met in a former mining town, he said: "She told me of children who can barely talk because nobody has ever talked to them.
"Children arrive who have never eaten at a table, they have never eaten with a knife and fork - they have barely ever eaten a proper meal."
Mr Grayling acknowledged "structural economic change" in the Eighties, when unemployment rose to three million under the Conservatives, but said: "We are past that now -it is two or three generations later."
Saying work was available, he added: "People are living with a glass wall around them, in workless households dependent on benefits."
The interview came as the Conservatives prepared to step up their plans to tackle worklessness, including the 2.6 million incapacity benefit claimants, which the party is convinced will be a big vote-winner.
Mr Grayling plans centres where private companies will be paid by results, offering long-term support, but benefit cuts for those who refuse help.
Posted by: Anon, Darlington on 1:41pm Fri 16 May 08
Having lived in this area for a few years now I have actually seen many parents who are either like the Gallaghers or who are even worse.
The young kids are either being loudly sworn at by their parents (in full ear shot of the rest of the residents) or they are left to roam the streets with no supervision or guardianship while the parents lazily sit at home or go to the pub.
How will children ever learn manners when the parents are totally devoid of manners themselves.
Having lived in this area for a few years now I have actually seen many parents who are either like the Gallaghers or who are even worse.
The young kids are either being loudly sworn at by their parents (in full ear shot of the rest of the residents) or they are left to roam the streets with no supervision or guardianship while the parents lazily sit at home or go to the pub.
How will children ever learn manners when the parents are totally devoid of manners themselves.
Posted by: Charles, Darlington on 1:58pm Fri 16 May 08
I agree, politicians should not be scared to say that a lot of problems ARE the fault of the parents, usually they are too busy handing out massive amounts of free money and pandering to the enormous and every growing amount of free-loading wasters that we have to subsidise (and their 6 kids each)!
I agree, politicians should not be scared to say that a lot of problems ARE the fault of the parents, usually they are too busy handing out massive amounts of free money and pandering to the enormous and every growing amount of free-loading wasters that we have to subsidise (and their 6 kids each)!
Posted by: mike, Middlesbrough on 2:00pm Fri 16 May 08
I don't think that Mr Grayling's criticisms went far enough. I have seen families in the area whose standards of upbringing are far worse than those portrayed in Shameless. The charities condemnation is politically motivated anyway so they shouldn't take any notice.
I don't think that Mr Grayling's criticisms went far enough. I have seen families in the area whose standards of upbringing are far worse than those portrayed in Shameless. The charities condemnation is politically motivated anyway so they shouldn't take any notice.
However these parents/families were described, people need to wake up and realise the point he was trying to make. We all know the type of people he is talking about it us under our noses day in day out, and a blind eye has been turned to it for so long.
A few years ago there were people who you thought were "a bit posh", people "just like you" and others who you avoided. There is now a group of people who are so removed from the respects and values of a normal society that they can barely be described as human.
I dread to think what the next generation will be like
However these parents/families were described, people need to wake up and realise the point he was trying to make. We all know the type of people he is talking about it us under our noses day in day out, and a blind eye has been turned to it for so long.
A few years ago there were people who you thought were "a bit posh", people "just like you" and others who you avoided. There is now a group of people who are so removed from the respects and values of a normal society that they can barely be described as human.
I dread to think what the next generation will be like
Posted by: Paul, Darlington on 4:46pm Fri 16 May 08
The charity's reaction is the reason why there are so many feral families in the North East. Since 1997 no-one has been allowed to pass judgment on people who need judging. We're meant to accept degraded behaviour without uttering so much as a word of protest. And the result is what you see in so many of our towns now.
Let's not also forget that the charity workers who criticised Mr Grayling have a vested interest in 'providing proper support' to Shameless families - their jobs depend on it.
The charity's reaction is the reason why there are so many feral families in the North East. Since 1997 no-one has been allowed to pass judgment on people who need judging. We're meant to accept degraded behaviour without uttering so much as a word of protest. And the result is what you see in so many of our towns now.
Let's not also forget that the charity workers who criticised Mr Grayling have a vested interest in 'providing proper support' to Shameless families - their jobs depend on it.
Posted by: Peter, Darlington on 4:56pm Fri 16 May 08
The only possible conclusion from this is that the National Children's Homes charity thinks semi-human families terrorising housing estates are a good thing. Perhaps we should all remember that, especially those who have to suffer on these estates, the next time the charity asks us for donations?
The only possible conclusion from this is that the National Children's Homes charity thinks semi-human families terrorising housing estates are a good thing. Perhaps we should all remember that, especially those who have to suffer on these estates, the next time the charity asks us for donations?
Posted by: Bill, Hartlepool on 5:23pm Fri 16 May 08
Having lived in the North East all of my life ,I totally agree with the statement made by Chris Grayling,there has been a substancial drop in manners and moral standards over the last 10 to 15 years by some of the people of the North East.We shouldn't be cowed into ignoring this fact by the so called do gooders who have brought us to this by their constant denegrating of anyone who speaks the truth about this drop in morals and manners.
Having lived in the North East all of my life ,I totally agree with the statement made by Chris Grayling,there has been a substancial drop in manners and moral standards over the last 10 to 15 years by some of the people of the North East.We shouldn't be cowed into ignoring this fact by the so called do gooders who have brought us to this by their constant denegrating of anyone who speaks the truth about this drop in morals and manners.
Over the past eleven years the Labour Party have nurtured a new breed of devoted supporter through the welfare system. The more children you produce the greater the benefit income etc.
A report released today shows there are 4.7 million homes where no one individual works witin the household. These homes contain almost 11 million people (these figures do not include pensioners).
Staggering when you consider the "unchallangable" argument for the need for unlimited immigration to fill jobs and keep the economy going.
These feckless "families" do not regard the beneit system as a saftey net they regard it as a lifestyle choice. They see "Shameless" as lifestyle guide.
Over the past eleven years the Labour Party have nurtured a new breed of devoted supporter through the welfare system. The more children you produce the greater the benefit income etc.
A report released today shows there are 4.7 million homes where no one individual works witin the household. These homes contain almost 11 million people (these figures do not include pensioners).
Staggering when you consider the "unchallangable" argument for the need for unlimited immigration to fill jobs and keep the economy going.
These feckless "families" do not regard the beneit system as a saftey net they regard it as a lifestyle choice. They see "Shameless" as lifestyle guide.
Posted by: albert conroy, durham on 7:58pm Fri 16 May 08
Parents all over the country are feckless....but once upon a time people used to mind their own business....it's all too common nowadays for politicians to pontificate about things that are none of their concern. They would serve their constituants better if they kept their mouths shut and their trousers on.
Parents all over the country are feckless....but once upon a time people used to mind their own business....it's all too common nowadays for politicians to pontificate about things that are none of their concern. They would serve their constituants better if they kept their mouths shut and their trousers on.
The charities have a point - criticising those who lack parenting skills COULD deter these people from seeking help. However, that should not prevent anyone from pointing out that there is a problem. A small section of british society has come to glamourise idleness and wilfully not work as an entire lifestyle choice. Not your student break-year, but decades of inactivity. This is not good for mental health OR individual or national wealth. It should be addressed, and the best way to start that is by being able to raise the matter openly.
One other point, though. The majority of parents, single or couples, are doing a good job, and we need to be careful not to sound too sweeping in our condemnation of a minority of families.
The charities have a point - criticising those who lack parenting skills COULD deter these people from seeking help. However, that should not prevent anyone from pointing out that there is a problem. A small section of british society has come to glamourise idleness and wilfully not work as an entire lifestyle choice. Not your student break-year, but decades of inactivity. This is not good for mental health OR individual or national wealth. It should be addressed, and the best way to start that is by being able to raise the matter openly.
One other point, though. The majority of parents, single or couples, are doing a good job, and we need to be careful not to sound too sweeping in our condemnation of a minority of families.
Posted by: Steve Colborn, Seaham on 11:19am Sat 17 May 08
I totally agree boys and girls. Fancy raising your kids to be feckless and idle. Trips to Ascot, the Henley Regatta. Skiing in the Alps and the jaunts to the Caribbean. Debs balls and there male conterparts. The whole social season. As for not being able to talk? well it must be annoying trying to decipher what someone wants to say when they sound like they have a mouth full of marbles. All this paid for off the backs of the workers. I totally agree, it is time we brought these wealthy parasites to book and got them to experience how us "ordinary folk" have to live. One month of our stress and worries over paying for food, electric, gas, clothes for our children, keeping a roof over our heads and they would be fit to take away.
I totally agree boys and girls. Fancy raising your kids to be feckless and idle. Trips to Ascot, the Henley Regatta. Skiing in the Alps and the jaunts to the Caribbean. Debs balls and there male conterparts. The whole social season. As for not being able to talk? well it must be annoying trying to decipher what someone wants to say when they sound like they have a mouth full of marbles. All this paid for off the backs of the workers. I totally agree, it is time we brought these wealthy parasites to book and got them to experience how us "ordinary folk" have to live. One month of our stress and worries over paying for food, electric, gas, clothes for our children, keeping a roof over our heads and they would be fit to take away.
Posted by: Working Taxpayer, Darlington on 9:23pm Sat 17 May 08
Steve, I think you need to realise that without the people you are slating people like you and others like you would be in a much worse situation.
The following applies to society:
If you work hard, then you have the right to play hard and share that with your loved ones.
The trouble is that the following also applies to an increasing demographic:
If you don't feel like work, then you have the right to benifit handouts. Play hard with that benefit and teach your offspring to take, take, take.
I've been through Seaham mate and I didn;'t see [bold]any[/bold] 'ordinary folk', I know which side of the fence (or trench) I want to stay!!
Steve, I think you need to realise that without the people you are slating people like you and others like you would be in a much worse situation.
The following applies to society:
If you work hard, then you have the right to play hard and share that with your loved ones.
The trouble is that the following also applies to an increasing demographic:
If you don't feel like work, then you have the right to benifit handouts. Play hard with that benefit and teach your offspring to take, take, take.
I've been through Seaham mate and I didn;'t see any 'ordinary folk', I know which side of the fence (or trench) I want to stay!!
Posted by: Bart, Southampton on 3:21pm Sun 18 May 08
I've been living in the UK for 6 years now and the most annoying thing about this country is a dictatorship of political correctness and politeness at the cost of the truth. You cannot call anyone lazy, fat or stupid but that's what many people should be told. Lack of responsibility for one's own actions and reliance on ridiculously generous, benefits served by the nanny state will have disastrous consequences for future generations.
I've been living in the UK for 6 years now and the most annoying thing about this country is a dictatorship of political correctness and politeness at the cost of the truth. You cannot call anyone lazy, fat or stupid but that's what many people should be told. Lack of responsibility for one's own actions and reliance on ridiculously generous, benefits served by the nanny state will have disastrous consequences for future generations.
Posted by: Sam, The North and Happy on 10:37pm Sun 18 May 08
Imagine that; fancy thousands of those silly folk creating communities and congregating around coal mining… I mean they should have known this mining lark was just a short term thing and saved for the eventual closures ready to close up shop and move the next adventure.
Now for the closure of those banking communities down south… I wonder if they’re ready for 25 years of unemployment as their skills are no longer needed and out sourced to the Far East.
You see that’s what happens when you pull the carpet from under the feet of ordinary folk and then tax their children for being 18 with a poll tax… 10 years later and things have never been so good up north… but we’re now ready to bring the old ways back, as our memories are really that short!
Imagine that; fancy thousands of those silly folk creating communities and congregating around coal mining… I mean they should have known this mining lark was just a short term thing and saved for the eventual closures ready to close up shop and move the next adventure.
Now for the closure of those banking communities down south… I wonder if they’re ready for 25 years of unemployment as their skills are no longer needed and out sourced to the Far East.
You see that’s what happens when you pull the carpet from under the feet of ordinary folk and then tax their children for being 18 with a poll tax… 10 years later and things have never been so good up north… but we’re now ready to bring the old ways back, as our memories are really that short!
Posted by: Aidan, Newcastle upon Tyne on 12:38am Mon 19 May 08
Some of the parents are at fault, but they cannot take all the blame. Politicians are setting a bad example themselves. Many of them are only interested in `feathering their nests`, are not helping their constituents. The moral standards of many MP`s leaves a lot to be desired. Mr Grayling and his cronies should remove the plank out of their own eyes before removing the speck from others.
Some of the parents are at fault, but they cannot take all the blame. Politicians are setting a bad example themselves. Many of them are only interested in `feathering their nests`, are not helping their constituents. The moral standards of many MP`s leaves a lot to be desired. Mr Grayling and his cronies should remove the plank out of their own eyes before removing the speck from others.
Posted by: Steve Day, Co Durham on 5:14pm Thu 22 May 08
Mr Grayling if anything was being polite, Its the same old story with failed families, unwed mothers, kids getting pregnant, kids roaming all hours, gang crime, vandalism, public housing estates looking they they have been bombed or used as a land fill site. Its never their fault, its always someone else, its the govt, its the tories, its the teachers, it the social workers, its the cops. Its the same soory pathetic excuses all the time. The ONLY reason why parts of the region are run down dumps, why kids are so wild, why crime is so bad is exactly because the locals let it get that way. Once over claiming benefits, signing on and not working were seen as signs of failure, personal disgrace, family shame etc, but these days huge numbers of parasites think that benefits are a god given right, council houses are another " right", controlling their kids is not their responsibility. The greatest disease is the north east is socialism, it has eroded the traditional working class family, driven aside the adage of a fair days work for a fair days pay. Theres always loads of half witted socialists who will blaim Maggie Thatcher, Winston Churchill,and anyone else for their own idle paraitic tendencies. Its not TOFFS or TORIES who have created this mess its the Labour govt who now tax the working man to death while pandering to every whim of the scrounging classes. We sold our pride and our dignity to the alter of the benefit scroungers state.
Mr Grayling if anything was being polite, Its the same old story with failed families, unwed mothers, kids getting pregnant, kids roaming all hours, gang crime, vandalism, public housing estates looking they they have been bombed or used as a land fill site. Its never their fault, its always someone else, its the govt, its the tories, its the teachers, it the social workers, its the cops. Its the same soory pathetic excuses all the time. The ONLY reason why parts of the region are run down dumps, why kids are so wild, why crime is so bad is exactly because the locals let it get that way. Once over claiming benefits, signing on and not working were seen as signs of failure, personal disgrace, family shame etc, but these days huge numbers of parasites think that benefits are a god given right, council houses are another " right", controlling their kids is not their responsibility. The greatest disease is the north east is socialism, it has eroded the traditional working class family, driven aside the adage of a fair days work for a fair days pay. Theres always loads of half witted socialists who will blaim Maggie Thatcher, Winston Churchill,and anyone else for their own idle paraitic tendencies. Its not TOFFS or TORIES who have created this mess its the Labour govt who now tax the working man to death while pandering to every whim of the scrounging classes. We sold our pride and our dignity to the alter of the benefit scroungers state.
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