Miliband reveals adoption details

London: David Miliband has given intimate details of how he and wife Louise adopted two children from America following failed IVF treatment.

The former Foreign Secretary's lengthy interview about his wife and children is in stark contrast to his stance on the matter in the past. On more than one occasion he has sought to prevent details of the adoption being reported.

His new candour came as Labour MPs claimed he is in danger of being beaten by his younger brother Ed in the race to succeed Gordon Brown. Growing tension between the two brothers surfaced at a Labour hustings last week when they attacked each other's political views. Relations have been strained ever since Ed, 40, decided to challenge his brother in the contest.

David, 44, has been stung in particular by claims that he lacks the charisma and charm of his younger brother and is too aloof. Ed's supporters have mocked David's geeky reputation, wearing stickers which state "Ed is a human".

Shrugging off his reticence about his family, David Miliband described how he and violinist wife Louise Shackelton, who is five years his senior, adopted two children from her American homeland after "emotionally exhausting" IVF trials.

He told how the couple discovered that they could not have children. "We didn't just go to the doctor and find out. It took years. It was very drawn out and difficult ..."