Labour MEPs have today backed a resolution demanding that the European Commission present new legislative proposals to protect pregnant workers and provide stronger maternity and paternity rights.

The resolution - which Tory MEPs voted against - comes after four years of deadlock over the 2010 maternity leave directive, intended to extend the minimum length of maternity leave and protect the health and safety of workers who have recently returned to work after giving birth.

MEPs also called on the Commission to pursue new legislation to establish paid paternity leave.

For more on this story, see the European Parliamentary Labour Party website.