Tories condemn 'Voices' magazine as propaganda

A glossy magazine aimed at showing women how the Government thinks they can get the most out of life was launched yesterday.

A glossy magazine aimed at showing women how the Government thinks they can get the most out of life was launched yesterday.

Baroness Jay of Paddington and Tessa Jowell, each a minister for Women, launched Voices in a joint operation with Good Housekeeping magazine. They said it was a "groundbreaking" publication giving women information and advice in the most accessible format.

However, the publication, which cost £97,000 to produce, was condemned as propaganda by the Tory spokeswoman on women's issues, Theresa May, who said it was a waste of taxpayers' money.

The magazine has articles for working mothers, information on home learning and the internet, financial and health advice. There are also details of how to apply for the working families tax credit and of the New Deal for Lone Parents.

Lady Jay said that Voices was aimed at ensuring women had the opportunity to "improve their lives and fulfil their potential, whatever they want to do.

"We want to make sure that every woman knows about these new opportunities. This exciting and groundbreaking publication... will do just that.

"No two lives are the same, which is why Voices provides information on a wide range of subjects, from knowing your rights at work to health screening, computers made easy and part-time learning," she said.

Ms Jowell said: " Voices helps women get the most out of work. Women account for just under half the UK workforce and it's not overstating the case to say that the future success of the economy depends on women fulfilling their potential."

Ms May said the publication was "pure propaganda" and added: "The claims in the magazine that this government is doing more for women will ring very hollow with women all over the country.

"I do not think that taxpayers' money should be wasted in this way. It should not be spent on producing a women's magazine and it should not go on promoting the Government."

Voices will be available free in libraries, Citizen's Advice Bureaux, further education colleges and from local authorities, as well as being sent to Good Housekeeping subscribers.