The new (2015) UK rules are more generous, but still not the "highest in the EU" (c.f Sweden's 480 paid days). Swedes also don't need to take it at full rate meaning you can e.g make it a 2 year leave with lower pay. That might be possible in the UK too. Typical Nordic is 12 month maternity + 6month paternity I.e until the child is 18months.