Clinic refuses to replace PIP breast implants free

A private clinic that fitted more banned breast implants than any other British cosmetic surgery firm says it will not replace them free of charge.

The Harley Medical Group claimed replacing the implants would put the company out of business - despite an order from the Government that private clinics who fitted implants have a "moral duty" to remove them.

The NHS will pay to remove, but not replace, implants if a private clinic refuses or no longer exists.

About 40,000 women in the UK have been fitted with the French PIP implants. HMG chairman Mel Braham said: "We're an innocent victim like everyone else, we're attempting to do our best for our patients."

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley today announced a fresh inquiry aimed at "cowboy" clinics.