Labour’s Attack Dog, John Reid, the Secretary of State for Health, threw his weight behind those calling for the upper time limit on abortion to be reduced from 24 weeks. He boasted yesterday that he had voted for a reduction to 18 weeks when it was last debated in 1990.

Mr Reid, a Catholic, said “It has always been matter of conscience. Michael Howard, with serial opportunism, is attempting to exploit the issue rather than address it. I have taken a far more pro-life stance than Mr Howard on these matters.”

As Health Secretary he has the power to actually address the issue by giving tougher guidelines.