UK defence secretary under fire over aide

9 October 2011 06:00 pm - 5 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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British defence secretary Mr. Liam Fox is under considerable pressure following revelations that his flatmate and best man used his office and accompanied him to a visit to Sri Lanka without holding an official position.

Critics allege that national security may have been compromised. Prime Minister Mr. David Cameron has called for details about the row and is expected to make a statement tomorrow.

On his part, Mr Fox has also initiated a Ministry of Defence (MoD) inquiry against himself. His aide, Mr. Adam Werritty, 34, accompanied him to meetings with Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa and also on a visit to Sri Lanka.

The evidence in the form of photographs, e-mails and video escalated after Mr. Fox had previously stated in a parliamentary answer, “Mr. Werritty is not an employee of the MoD and has, therefore, not travelled with me on any official visit”.

The MoD investigation is looking into whether Mr. Fox broke the ministerial code over his working relationship with Werritty, who was the best man at Mr. Fox's wedding in 2005. Mr. Fox is accused of giving Mr. Werritty access to the MoD and allowing him to go on official foreign trips. Mr. Werritty also distributed visiting cards describing him as an adviser to Mr Fox even though he was not appointed to that of any official post. (PTI)

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Comments - 5

Migrant Monday, 10 October 2011 05:30 AM

Probably they are following SL.

chaminda Monday, 10 October 2011 05:26 AM

Mr. Fox came to Sri Lanka on a private visit and not on an official visit by the MOD. It was publicized heavily that it was a 'private' visit. The British press are jobless! They need to get a life!

Dalu banda Monday, 10 October 2011 07:56 AM

Fox is a good friend of Sri Lanka. I wish to convey my best regards to him.

Rohan Monday, 10 October 2011 12:25 PM

According to reports in UK, this was not about a visit to Sri Lanka but about a meeting he had at Dorchester Hotel in London with President of Sri Lanka. The allegation is how Mr Werritty went for the meeting without being an official. But Dr Fox says he knows who is behind these allegations. The Prime Minister of Britain has full confidence in Dr Fox and there shouldn't be a problem.

Joker Monday, 10 October 2011 12:50 PM

Brokeback Mountain...??

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UK defence secretary under fire over aide

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