EU is 'patronising and demeaning' to women - MEP

One of the region's MEPs has criticised the European Union for what he calls its 'demeaning and patronising' treatment of women on International Women's Day.
Roger Helmer, a Conservative politician who represents the East Midlands, made the comments on his 'Straight Talking' blog.
International Women's Day takes place on March 8 and the EU is planning a formal celebration in Strasbourg. Female vice-presidents of the European parliament will join EU President Jerzy Buzek on stage, prior to the screening of a three minute video tracking the history of International Women's Day.
There will then be speeches from each political group - all of whom have been encouraged to field women for the purpose - before all 250 female MEPs are invited to join a women-only photo-call.
A bouquet of flowers will then be placed on the seats of all the parliamentary ladies.
In the article entitled 'Celebrating women: Anti-discrimination EU style', Mr Helmer wrote: 'Only a cynic, surely, would regard these plans as demeaning and patronising to women.
'Given that gender equality is a cross-cutting issue which is being mainstreamed into all aspects of the EU’s activities, I just can’t wait to see what they’re planning to do for International Men’s Day.'