AS a parent of an adolescent and a youth leader, I would commend the support Jack Straw has given his son at this time and welcome his decision not to resign his post.
To those interviewed who thought his response was 'disgusting,' I would say that the aim of not only parents, but all adults in our communities should be to ensure that adolescents are aware that the responsibility for their behaviour and standards of conduct rests ultimately with each individual young person.
It can only be to their detriment to promote the belief that their behavioural problems are totally the responsibility of their parents.
I feel that a Home Secretary with practical experience of the problems of parenting adolescents can only be an advantage to Britain's young people and the youth justice system.
I wish Mr Straw well for the future.
PAULINE HILL, Goodenber Road, Bentham, Lancaster.
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