Uk Defence Secretary Under Fire Over Aide

LONDON: British defence secretary 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 David Cameron has called for details about the row and is expected to make a statement on Monday.

On his part, Fox has also initiated a ministry of defence (MoD) inquiry against himself.

His aide, 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, emails and video escalated after 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 Fox broke the ministerial code over his working relationship with Werritty, who was the best man at Fox's wedding in 2005.

Fox is accused of giving Werritty access to the MoD and allowing him to go on official foreign trips.

Werritty also distributed visiting cards describing him as an adviser to Fox even though he was not appointed to that of any official post.

Posted in: Breaking News