Military staff to qualify for IVF

The military covenant will include a guarantee of three cycles of IVF treatment for personnel who need it, the Defence Secretary Liam Fox announced yesterday.

The measure was one of a package unveiled by Dr Fox as the Government sought to enshrine the principles of the covenant in law. Other measures include a veterans' card that will allow access to discounts and privileges, council tax relief for overseas personnel to rise from 25 to 50 per cent, and a fund of £3m a year to support state schools with significant numbers of service children.

Up to £30m will also be made available over the next four years to support local joint projects between service or veterans' groups and the wider community.

Labour welcomed the move, saying ministers were "doing the right thing for entirely the wrong reason".