IVF baby milestone
MORE than 300,000 children have been born in the UK over the last quarter of a century thanks to IVF and other fertility techniques, new figures show.
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) said the figure, which includes the number of babies born from IVF and donor insemination (DI) between 1991 and 2015, was a “milestone”. It said that fertility treatment has grown markedly since 2010, with almost a third of these babies arriving in the six years to 2015.” SIR Michael Fallon has resigned as Defence Secretary following allegations about his personal behaviour.
The Tory veteran has been caught up in the sexual harassment scandal sweeping Westminster after it emerged he had repeatedly put his hand on a journalist’s knee during a party conference dinner in 2002.
Radio host Julia Hartley-Brewer said she had not regarded the incident as “anything but mildly amusing”.
In a statement, Sir Michael said: “In recent days allegations have been made about MPs’ conduct, including my own.
“Many of these have been false, but I realise that in the past I have fallen below the high standards that we require of the armed forces which I have the privilege to represent. I have therefore reflected on my position in Government and I am resigning as Defence Secretary.
“It has been a privilege to have served as Defence Secretary for the last three and half years, and I have nothing but admiration for the professionalism, bravery and service of those men and women who keep us safe.”
In her reply to Sir Michael’s resignation letter, Prime Minister Theresa May said: “I appreciate the characteristically serious manner in which you have considered your position, and the particular example you wish to set to servicemen and women and others.”
Ms Hartley-Brewer reacted with shock to the announcement, writing on Twitter: “Bloody hell. Sir Michael Fallon has just resigned as Defence Secretary.”
She added that “I doubt my knee was the reason” for his resignation.
Sir Michael’s name appeared on the unverified list of sexual misconduct allegations which has been circulating in Westminster. His decision to quit came just hours after Mrs May invited party leaders to crisis talks on Monday to discuss plans for tackling sexual abuse and harassment.
The Prime Minister said MPs from all parties are “deeply concerned” about allegations that have emerged in recent days as she invited political counterparts to talks on setting up a new “transparent, independent” grievance procedure.
“We have a duty to ensure that everyone coming here to contribute to public life is treated with respect,” she told MPs at Prime Minister’s Questions.
Sir Michael was not under investigation about the 2002 incident, but two of his former ministerial colleagues are the subject of probes. Cabinet Secretary Sir Jeremy Heywood is looking into claims made against Mrs May’s de facto deputy prime minister Damian Green.
The Cabinet Office investigation was launched after activist Kate Maltby, three decades younger than the First Secretary of State, told The Times that Mr Green “fleetingly” touched her knee during a meeting in a Waterloo pub in 2015, and a year later sent her a “suggestive” text message after she was pictured in a corset in the paper.