LONDON – Fathers who abandon their families should be “stigmatised” by society in the same way as drink-drivers, British prime minister David Cameron has said.
Mr Cameron signalled a new onslaught on “runaway dads”, saying they should be made to feel the “full force of shame” for their actions.
He said it was not acceptable for single mothers to be left to bring up children on their own.
Mr Cameron also indicated his determination to introduce tax breaks for married couples – a Tory pledge that appeared to have been dropped by the coalition in the face of Lib Dem opposition. “I want us to recognise marriage in the tax system so as a country we show we value commitment.”
Where men were unwilling to face up to their family obligations, Mr Cameron said, it was up to the rest of society to make clear such behaviour was unacceptable.
“It’s high time runaway dads were stigmatised, and the full force of shame was heaped upon them. They should be looked at like drink-drivers, people who are beyond the pale.” – (PA)