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Rationing of treatments has always existed in the British National Health Service (NHS) simply because resources are finite, but recent scandals have highlighted the absence of clear principles and procedures for the application of rationing. Rationing is currently carried out in a variety of haphazard ways right across Britain. A more consistent approach to rationing is necessary, together with more openness on the criteria used. Although it is extremely difficult to apply the principle of equity to rationing, discussion is needed on ways in which this could be done.

The UK government's select committee system is discussed. It is argued that this system is based on amateurism, with high turnover of members preventing committees from building up experience.

Most men are still under great pressure to work very long hours, and this leaves them unable to meet family responsibilities. It is now time for them to rebel against this situation, emphasising that working long hours can be unproductive and have a negative impact on families. There is now a large amount of research which indicates that there are benefits for men, women and children when men play a more active role in the day-to-day lives of their children.

The recent clashes within the Conservative party over the Divorce Bill and the Family Homes and Domestic Violence Bill indicate that the party is severely divided on social policy. There is a strong trend towards social authoritarianism within the party, and this makes it take a very negative view of human nature. There are also clashing views on social policy within the Labour party, which is more likely to be successful in this area than the Conservative party but is still uncertain about how to proceed.

The Labour party's authoritarian tendencies have traditionally been focused in the public sphere and economic activity. However, there are now signs that New Labour is moving its authoritarian focus in a bid to attract new voters. This is particularly the case in dealing with family breakdown and law and order, two key areas of concern for voters. The party is trying to combine liberal and authoritarian views, and will never be successful with this approach.

The new politics of community promoted by UK Labour Party leader Tony Blair can only succeed if communities are nurtured by both men and women. Blair emphasises duty, the idea that individuals have responsibilities and obligations to others as well as to themselves. However, by and large, most ordinary communities are already nurtured by women who have a powerful sense of obligation to their children, elderly relatives, friends and neighbours. Men and women must each be able to cross between the world of work, money and markets and that of home, family and neighbourhood, for any new politics of community to flourish.

Politicians need to recognise the value of self help groups and incorporate them into their plans for the welfare system of the 21st century, since central governments can do less for people than people can do for themselves. Self help groups cannot provide mainstream health and social services but by providing wisdom and social care, they can help combat some of the problems that contribute to ill-health. Governments should encourage and support the development of self help by funding self help support agencies. Anything that cannot be provided through self help would be catered for by public services.

Politicians across the world are becoming discredited, and they are no longer viewed with respect by ordinary people. Against this background, it may be appropriate for ordinary people to become more involved in the political process. People could be encouraged to develop the capacity to understand complex issues and to make decisions, and this would ensure much more effective citizen participation than opinion polls and referendums. A system of this kind is already in operation in the US, where citizens' juries are used to test political decisions against informed and considered public opinion.

The UK Labour Party policy of equal representation of women in the Shadow Cabinet led to a reduction from four to three women in 1993, as Harriet Harman lost her place. The Labour Party originated with a male personality as it represented the trade unions and had no connection with those who were not in paid employment. However, its tradition of egalitarian aims helps it show that it considers women equal citizens to men. In 1992 37 women Labour MPs (Members of Parliament) were returned to parliament. Harriet Harman's book 'The Century Gap' focussed on the role of men in the family which may have been unpopular with male MPs.

The claim of choice through the Citizen's Charter is examined. Equity is not mentioned in the charter but some citizens have more knowledge or money or live in the right place to manipulate the system. Those in residential homes may prefer problems solved where they are than to have the option of moving. Public services do not involve increased profits like the commercial world, so choice without increasing costs is impossible. Citizens have no opportunity of participating in reconciliation of conflicting interests. Institutional choice is more feasible than personal choice but citizens have no power to influence the criteria of institutions making choices for them.