Nanny state

These are worrying times to be a parent. i’m not referring to drugs, the dangers of social media, knife crime or Brexit.

i am talking about the proposed named Person scheme in scotland, which will allow the state to interfere with family life; the ban on smacking in Wales; the guidelines on relationships education; and the plan for

compulsory registration of home educators.

All these moves project one message: parents are not to be trusted with the upbringing of their own children and the state must interfere to make sure they do it ‘right’.

Why are parents treated with suspicion and mistrust?

Why is the Government determined to indoctrinate children in a particular world view rather than respecting the right of parents to bring up their families in accordance with their beliefs?

Unwarranted, draconian interference must stop. LYDIA COTTINGHAM,

Halland, E. Sussex.