JUST as the Tories and Labour each sought to show who was the toughest on crime, now, it seems, it is over support for the family that they battle.

But if Labour backs the traditional family, but shies from criticising single-parent or same-sex ones, Tory leader William Hague appears to be going back to basics -- tying Conservative beliefs to Christian ones, though without disapproval for unwed couples living together.

And, unlike Labour, he would bless marriage and the family with tax gains.

At last, then, Mr Hague comes up with a clear policy -- and one which may win more approval than Labour's fudgy family support.

But he still has a mountain to climb.

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