Parenting: David Cameron rejects 'nanny state' criticism

Prime Minister David Cameron has launched a government initiative to help parents cope with bringing up children.

Mothers and fathers will be offered free parenting classes and advice via email and text in pilot schemes in Middlesbrough, High Peak in Derbyshire, and Camden in London.

It will be for prospective parents and those with babies up to one-year-old in England and Wales.

Speaking in Camden, Mr Cameron rejected criticism that the scheme is an example of the ''nanny state'' and said ''parents want help''.