Letter: Bad for families

It is deeply disappointing that European employment ministers have rejected MEPs' calls to extend paid maternity leave to 20 weeks. What is even more shocking is that Liberal Democrat MP Edward Davey has referred to improving maternity rights as "regressive" and "too costly". He is clearly neglecting the fact that we need to focus on the economic future of families and not penalise women for having children.

If just 0.4 per cent more women were able to continue working due to these proposed provisions, then the costs would be covered. This is bad news for families and the economic future of Europe.

CATHERINE STIHLER, MEP

Church Street

Inverkeithing, Fife