Post date: Oct 09, 2011 7:33:3 PM
Britain's Defence Secretary Liam Fox apologises for allowing the impression of wrongdoing to arise after claims that his links to an unofficial adviser may have breached national security, but denies that wrongdoing actually took place.
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM (OCTOBER 9, 2011) UK POOL - Britain's Defence Secretary Liam Fox apologised on Sunday (October 9), after claims that his links to an unofficial adviser may have breached national security, but indicated that he intended to remain in his role.
He admitted some mistakes in his ties with former flatmate and best man at his wedding, Adam Werritty, but said he did "not believe that wrongdoing did occur"."I accept that mistakes were made and I should have not allowed the impression of wrongdoing to arise and I am very sorry about that. However I don't believe that wrongdoing did occur," Fox said in a statement.
In the televised statement, he said it was right that an internal inquiry should be allowed to run its course and that he would answer questions in parliament on Monday.
"The right thing is for the investigation by the permanent secretary and and cabinet secretary to run its course and l'll answer questions tomorrow in the House of Commons," Fox said.
Fox has been at the centre of a media storm during the past few days over his relations with Werritty, including whether his friend accompanied Fox on official overseas trips, and set up business meetings, including one at the at the Shangri-la hotel in Dubai in June, where ministry officials were not present.
Although Werritty is not part of Fox's team of officials, he handed out embossed cards describing himself as "adviser" to the minister.