THE GUV'NOR

So, Tony Blair thinks he can legislate and make everyone show "respect". His "agenda" involves intervening early to "help" problem families and punishing those who don't co-operate. What a joke! He hopes to rid our streets of yobs by tampering and meddling, using a load of vote-catching gimmicks.

The heart of the "respect" problem lies in the breakdown of the family unit. Today's "dysfunctional" lifestyles, with working parents, computer-dominated play times, pressures and stress associated with busy lives mean we have less time and are less likely to place any value on the traditional cornerstones of family life.

The good old pub has a huge role to play in bridging the gap between the reality of 21st-century family life and the ideals of the past, when family life was central and respect was "earned" - not a matter for legislation.

I don't mean the big screen, fast food, cheap booze high street places. I mean the good old community pub. Far from breaking up the family unit in the old-fashioned way (Dad's at the pub, wife and kids at home) the new face of the British pub where all members of the family are welcome and "protected from harm" is key to remembering values that may have long been forgotten at home.

The pub is a place where you can enjoy a square meal, with fresh vegetables, all sat together (on how many occasions, other than mealtimes, does this happen?) sharing a meal (rather than a burger on the hoof) - an interactive time when things are discussed as a whole family. No amount of Government spin can replace the value of such a time.

It is a place where you learn and try out socialising and interaction with other human beings, not computers.

You can also move beyond self-centredness and put others first in

the pub by becoming involved in fund-raising.

Pubs are places where you can play, with games, cards, darts, pub sports and quizzes - not a USB lead in sight!

And there is little that can top the "unwinding effect" of enjoying a glass or two in good company at the end of a hectic day.

Tony might do well to remember this. The "family" instils standards, not by on-the-spot fines, but loving interaction between family members. He should pop to his local to see how Britain's pubs are already helping the cause!