SIR – I am delighted that MPs have rejected a draft EU directive aimed at increasing the number of women on company boards.

We all know that Brussels says “jump” and we just ask “how high?” so it made a pleasant change to read that MPs agreed a motion stating that the EU directive “does not comply with the principle of subsidiarity” – that decisions should be made at national level if possible.

It is plainly nonsense to insist on 40 per cent of top management posts being given to women by 2020. This is reverse discrimination and is an insult to all businesswomen who have worked hard to attain their positions.

Our Government’s backing for a voluntary approach and rejecting the EU target, is plainly far more sensible.

But, and of course, there’s a but, the EU invariably gets what it wants sooner or later, so unless we leave this wretched behemoth just watch out for the imposition of this ridiculous quota.

Godfrey Bloom, Ukip MEP for Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire