"The reason I'm a marriage freak is because I'm a commitment freak." David Cameron, answering a question this morning at his lecture to Relate, deftly explained why he thinks marriage is deserving of special treatment not accorded to other relationships (and why he includes civil partnerships but not cohabitation in the deserving category). And certainly Cameron has shown real commitment to supporting marriage, in contrast to many other politicians of recent years, both Tory and (especially) Labour.
Today's lecture aimed to put that support in the wider context of 'family-friendly' policies, like affordable childcare, the right to request flexible working for all parents (of children up to 18), and 'corporate social responsibilty' (aka the chocolate orange offensive). It was delivered with passion, a few (but not too many) personal comments, and a very welcome name-check for Dr Wade Horn, whose credentials for promoting marriage as the basis of family stability are impeccable.
As one who has been making the case for many years for evidence-based policies in support of the married family, I continue to be delighted by David Cameron's focus on the family in general, and marriage in particular, as the heart of a strong and free society. My only concern lies in the decision to package distinctive pro-family measures (tax and benefit reform and marriage education and support) with attempts to outdo the current Government on 'family-friendly' regulation and social exhortation - such as the flexible working for all parents. We should remember that employers are parents too - and many are already at the limits of their ability to to accommodate the regulatory burdens imposed by Brown and co.
Creating 'social norms' by endorsing and supporting marriage and commitment is a clear and commendable goal. Putting pressure on business to provide longer leave, home-working and shorter hours blurs an important message - and risks alienating those who would like to see less regulation and interference under a Conservative government.
