Since her original post yesterday, at least 1, 300 Mumsnet users have replied with messages of sympathy.

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Carrie Longton, from the parenting website Mumsnet, said her contributors had given Dr Walsh's views short shrift.

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The love-in of all three main party leaders with social-networking websites like Mumsnet in recent weeks was hilarious.

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Mumsnet founder Justine Roberts says some parents adopt a similar style today.

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But Mrs Perry's views came under fire from Mumsnet founder Justine Roberts, who insisted parents were "doing their best" and were "knackered most of the time".

BBC: British children 'babied' by intrusive parents, says MP

Justine Roberts, of the parenting website Mumsnet, said school closures could be difficult for parents, "but obviously it's more important to them that their children are safe".

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"I think it has reached a point where we need to detox our High Streets, and make Britain a family-friendly country again, " she told the Mumsnet website.

BBC: Diane Abbott