Brian Meechan Politics Show Wales

Click here to view Politics Show Wales

Tony Blair: Law abiding majority should be protected

The Children's Commissioner for Wales has told the Politics Show that some British politicians should be 'ashamed' of the way they have been debating anti-social behaviour.

Peter Clarke is warning MPs that they risk demonising young people.

Tackling anti-social behaviour has been made a top priority by the UK Government for its third term.

In the post election Queens Speech, Tony Blair pledged to create a "culture of respect". He wants greater use of anti-social behaviour orders ... ASBOs.

Peter Clarke is critical of the tone used by UK politicians: "We need to look very hard at the way we use language about young people.

"They listen to our debates and it does affect them. Many young people tell me they do not feel respected by adults.

"They feel adults talk about them as though they were a threat".

"Part of the debate about respect, for me, often confuses respect with fear.

"Many people were brought up in an era when children were very frightened of the adults around them- often with good cause.

"I personally do not think we can or should go back to that."

The Children's Commissioner, who is appointed by the Assembly but who is wholly independent, does praise politicians in Cardiff Bay for the way they have debated the issue.

"The National Assembly for Wales has been very careful to distance itself from some of the sillier utterances of our UK leaders.

"And in some respects I think our Assembly Government Ministers have actually shown the kind of leadership that we need to bring to bare when talking to our young people".

"If we start to lecture young people about respect and see it as a one way thing, we will fail.

"And we will miss a golden opportunity, particularly in Wales, where we can have a different respect agenda and one that will last a lot longer than short term vote grabbing initiatives."

Politics Show

Politics Show Wales wants your views. Let us know what you think.

If you want to have your say, you can call 0845 300 90 10, or e-mail via the website.

... Or write to: The Politics Show, Room 1060, BBC Wales, Llandaff, Cardiff. CF5 2YO

The Politics Show - we aim to get closer to your community with our presenter, Adrian Masters.

Tune in to BBC One on Sunday 20 November 2005 at Noon.

Disclaimer: The BBC may edit your comments and cannot guarantee that all emails will be published.