UK defence secretary under fire over aide

9 October 2011 06:00 pm

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)