Sir Michael Fallon Apologises For Touching Journalist's Knee

The Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon has confirmed that he was once rebuked by a political journalist for putting his hand on her knee during dinner.

After his identity was revealed by the Sun newspaper, the radio presenter, Julia Hartley-Brewer tweeted that she had not been "remotely upset or distressed" by the incident fifteen years ago.

She said that the incident had been "mildly amusing", and a spokesman for Sir Michael said he had apologised when it happened in 2002.

Ms Hartley-Brewer, who has criticised "wild rumours and claims" at Westminster, said she did not consider herself a victim after the incident.

Speaking about the incident in which he repeatedly placed his hand on her knee, she said:

"I calmly and politely explained to him that, if he did it again, I would 'punch him in the face'.

"He withdrew his hand and that was the end of the matter."

A spokesman for Sir Michael said:

 "He had apologised when the incident happened 15 years ago and both Julia and he now considered the matter closed."

There has recently been a flurry of allegations regarding sexual harassment at Westminster, which Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom said “risked bringing all our offices into disrepute”.

Meanwhile, Commons Speaker John Bercow said there must be "zero tolerance" for this type of behaviour in Parliament.

The reports come as the Defence Secretary says proposed legislation to make military life more flexible will make it significantly easier for women with children

Flexible working aims to allow Armed Forces personnel to work part-time for short periods and let personnel limit the time they need to spend away from their home base and their families.

The Defence Secretary said flexible working was "essential to a modern military".

Sir Michael Fallon said:

"Keeping Britain safe means investing in our personnel as well as in new equipment."