Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Chief Rabbi attacks Blair on families

Jon Smith
Saturday 04 September 1999 23:02 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The Chief Rabbi, Jonathan Sacks, has urged Tony Blair to appoint a full-time minister for the family.

He accused Mr Blair and the Chancellor, Gordon Brown, of using empty words and not being serious when they claim to be supporting the family.

In an interview to be broadcast on GMTV's Sunday Programme today, he said: "I think that Gordon Brown, before the Budget, said that this was to be a family-orientated budget.

"I have argued with Tony Blair - and with John Major before - that we need a full minister for the family who will look at the implications of all government legislation and say, 'Does this strengthen or weaken the institution?' Until that is done, I'm afraid politicians are merely using a rhetoric, they're not being serious."

Earlier, the Chief Rabbi said: "I have spoken to a lot of politicians who are shy of jumping into this arena and they have said to me, 'well you're a religious leader, you do something about it'. I took up the challenge."

Ministers say they have given help to families through measures such as the Working Families Tax Credit and the new deal for the long-term unemployed.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in