British Defence Minister Resigns Over Sexual Harassment

British Defence Minister Michael Fallon resigned on Wednesday saying he had not met the standards required by his position, the first resignation in a scandal related to sexual harassment in parliament, British media report, according to the Patria agency.

An increasing number of women and men working in the British parliament have complained about the unworthy behaviour of MPs, encouraged by similar accusations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, writes the Telegraph.

Fallon earlier this week apologised for touching a radio journalist on the knee in 2002. In his resignation letter sent to Prime Minister May, he wrote that there had been many complaints about MPs in recent days, including “some concerning my previous behaviour”.

- Many are untrue, but I accept that in the past I have not met the standards required of members of the armed forces. I have considered my position and I am resigning as Defence Secretary - Fallon said.

Prime Minister May responded that she appreciated the “characteristic seriousness” with which Fallon had considered the situation he found himself in and “the example he wishes to set for soldiers, women and others”.

She stated in parliament on Wednesday that she would take action whenever accusations and evidence of sexual harassment emerge.