Fathers 4 justice welcome Tory leader's backing for law change

The Fathers 4 Justice (F4J) group has spoken of its delight at comments made by Tory leader Michael Howard on the need for shared parenting.

The controversial group, with around 6,000 members, said its campaign to see a change in the family legal system was given a political push by Mr Howard. In response to the group's campaign, the Tory leader said this week: "With around four million children living apart from natural parents, it is important that those children enjoy contact with both parents as much as possible where that can be achieved.

"Too many non-resident parents are being failed by the system and deprived of the access to their children which they deserve and from which their children derive great benefit.

"The Conservative Party is determined to raise this problem up the political agenda and promote the rights and responsibilities of shared parenting." Jeff Skinner, co-ordinator of the Bristol branch of F4J, said: "This is exactly what we want - a political party recognising the need for change in the family law system. But we need action and the change needs to happen soon." Gary Burch, parliamentary co-ordinator for F4J, said: "The statement is long overdue but the awareness raised by our campaign is helping to create serious debate.

"Before F4J, nothing was happening. Now we have a Green paper due out any day, the leader of the opposition coming out in support of the cause, a Father's Day demo next Friday and our blueprint of family law in the 21st century published this week. Now we must make this a serious election issue."