Cameron- Blue through and through

Nick Cohen has an interesting article in today's Observer regarding David Cameron. Whereas Cameron has tried to paint himself as a modern man, an environmentalist, a Politician that can appeal to women voters, it is blatantly obvious that this is all but a show and that the cracks are starting to appear. According to Nick Cohen's article, in the Telegraph this week, Cameron announced that under a Conservative Government they would opt out of the European Union's Social Chapter. This, in real terms, means that there would be a removal of legal protection for part-time workers, and the end of women's rights to extend maternity leave. This is hardly a reflection of the new, caring Cameron that he has bent over backwards to create, is it? In fact, this is more of the old Tory agenda of seeking to 'persuade' employers to act with their employees best interest at heart as opposed to regulating to make sure that people are protected. If the Tories want to make a clear break from their past, and their overtly right wing policies, then this is not the way to go about it.
It's no good Cameron appearing on the cover of Marie Claire or magazines of the sort if he dismisses the issues that are important to the very people he is trying to attract.

What's wrong with being a size 12?

I've read an article in the Observer today about the model Anna Carolina Reston who died at the end of last year due to anorexia. She was criticised by a Chinese modelling agency for being too fat, even though she was a tiny 8 stone. From there, she developed anorexia, even though she admitted not knowing what anorexia was at the time.

Many models have died of anorexia, and that is one reason why they fashion world is implementing new regulations. It's shocking that so many young women are pressurised in to being thin to succeed. It doesn't create a positive role model for young teenage girls who see stick thin models plastered all over their magazines. Much more should be done to promote larger models so that people don't believe that they have to conform to this waif like 'role model'.

I am a keen supporter of the Eating Disorders Association, and have organised events to raise money for the organisation. Through Plaid, I have sought to help people in Wales who cannot afford access to treatment services due to the fact that almost the only treatment centres available are Private ones in England.

It has taken a death of a supermodel to push the agencies and the Fashion Shows in to action. It is up to the magazines and the television shows now to follow this example, and take positive action in raising awareness of eating disorders. On a Wales level, an Eating Disorders Treatment Centre is much needed. I believe there are plans to open one in Bridgend, but it is a long time coming. Affordable services must be developed in Wales, for the people of Wales.