Foreign Secretary David Miliband adopts second baby in the U.S.

The Foreign Secretary, who is on paternity leave, is understood to have been present at the birth of the boy, named Jacob.

Mr Miliband cancelled a sensitive meeting with the Saudi foreign minister just hours before the start of a state visit by the kingdom's ruler yesterday.

Friends said he was forced to pull out by Jacob's early birth at an undisclosed location in the U.S.

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The Foreign Office said the cancellation had nothing to do with mounting criticisms about the lavish welcome being offered to King Abdullah despite the state's human rights record.

Mr Miliband's office refused to provide any details on the adoption, citing security and privacy reasons.

He and his wife Louise reinforced the message in a letter to news organisations requesting that their privacy be respected.

Almost three years ago, the Conservatives questioned the way the couple handled the foreign adoption of their first son Isaac.

In a statement, the Foreign Secretary's office said: "David and Louise Miliband are pleased to announce the adoption of their second son, Jacob.

"They are delighted by the new arrival and Mr Miliband will now be taking a period of leave. They ask the media to respect their privacy during this time."

The Foreign Office would not say how much notice the Saudi government was given of Mr Miliband's decision not to attend what was supposed to be a landmark Two Kingdoms conference, promoting strong economic and political ties.

But a spokesman said yesterday that notice was given "before today".

Foreign minister Prince Saud al-Faisal pulled out as well, citing protocol reasons.

Mr Miliband was replaced by Foreign Office Minister Kim Howells.

A Downing Street spokesman said: "I'm not going to get into any details regarding the Foreign Secretary's personal circumstances. The Prime Minister was aware of the situation."

Mr Miliband and his wife were present at the birth of their first child in December 2004.

A Government inquiry cleared Mr Miliband, then a junior education minister, of claims backed by the Tories, that the couple had used his position to "fast-track" the paperwork for the adoption.

Those wanting to adopt newborns in Britain face a wait which can stretch into years while they are vetted by adoption agencies or their local authority.

Critics say the process, which includes police and health checks and interviews with a social worker, is too bureaucratic.

Mr Miliband has said that his wife, a violinist with the London Symphony Orchestra, has "adoption rights in the U.S." as she has dual citizenship.

There, couples pay up to £20,000 for a healthy white baby.

Last night, adoption experts said the Milibands, both in their forties, may have benefited from easier adoption rules in the U.S.

Professor Kate Wilson, of the University of Nottingham, said: "Because of the age factor they probably wouldn't even be approved in the UK as adopters.

"Additionally, it is not so easy to adopt babies in Britain as the supply of infants is very limited now."