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13/10/2011
Fox Faces Further Fire
The under-fire Conservative Minister, Liam Fox was facing further politically damaging allegations on Thursday, as it was being reported that he took five MPs to Washington during his leadership bid.
According to the Guardian, a charity linked with Dr Fox, the Defence Secretary, paid for a total of five MPs to join him in Washington around October 18, 2005 – coinciding with the first round of voting in the leadership election, which Fox eventually lost to David Cameron.
The minister has faced continued pressure over his Atlantic Bridge charity, who paid for the flights. Its trustees dissolved the organisation last month after the Charity Commission criticised the registered charity's rightwing agenda.
The Tory MPs involved were member for the Forest of Dean, Mark Harper; Weston-super-Mare MP, John Penrose; Brooks Newmark, MP for Braintree; Adam Holloway of Gravesham; and Philip Dunne, MP for Ludlow. All had been freshly elected to the house only months earlier.
Dr Fox was forced to explain his working and personal relationship with friend Jim Werritty, who was reported to have gained privileged access, attended meetings and carried out some official business with Fox despite holding no official position.
Mr Werritty was also believed to have attended the 2005 Washington trip.
Questions have been raise about how Mr Werritty was funded during his business and about the propriety of his unofficial status.
Jim Murphy, Labour's Shadow Defence Secretary, said that political storm clouds are now gathering above Liam Fox's head.
"These allegations appear to blow a hole Liam Fox's story. He appears to have received funding which he hasn't declared and funded Mr Werritty's actions as his unofficial adviser. Mr Werritty has seemingly profited from his association with Mr Fox.
"This appears a clear breach of the Ministerial Code and Parliament's rules.
Mr Murphy said that unless the Defence Secretary can disprove the claims immediately it was hard to see how long he could continue.
(DW/BMcC)
According to the Guardian, a charity linked with Dr Fox, the Defence Secretary, paid for a total of five MPs to join him in Washington around October 18, 2005 – coinciding with the first round of voting in the leadership election, which Fox eventually lost to David Cameron.
The minister has faced continued pressure over his Atlantic Bridge charity, who paid for the flights. Its trustees dissolved the organisation last month after the Charity Commission criticised the registered charity's rightwing agenda.
The Tory MPs involved were member for the Forest of Dean, Mark Harper; Weston-super-Mare MP, John Penrose; Brooks Newmark, MP for Braintree; Adam Holloway of Gravesham; and Philip Dunne, MP for Ludlow. All had been freshly elected to the house only months earlier.
Dr Fox was forced to explain his working and personal relationship with friend Jim Werritty, who was reported to have gained privileged access, attended meetings and carried out some official business with Fox despite holding no official position.
Mr Werritty was also believed to have attended the 2005 Washington trip.
Questions have been raise about how Mr Werritty was funded during his business and about the propriety of his unofficial status.
Jim Murphy, Labour's Shadow Defence Secretary, said that political storm clouds are now gathering above Liam Fox's head.
"These allegations appear to blow a hole Liam Fox's story. He appears to have received funding which he hasn't declared and funded Mr Werritty's actions as his unofficial adviser. Mr Werritty has seemingly profited from his association with Mr Fox.
"This appears a clear breach of the Ministerial Code and Parliament's rules.
Mr Murphy said that unless the Defence Secretary can disprove the claims immediately it was hard to see how long he could continue.
(DW/BMcC)
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Fox 'Broke Ministerial Code' Report Will Say
A Government report is expected to find that former Defence Secretary Liam Fox broke the Ministerial Code in his dealings with his friend Adam Werritty, However, the report, being compiled by Cabinet Secretary Sir Gus O'Donnell, is also expected to claim Mr Fox did not gain financially from the arrangements or his controversial dealings and trips t
Fox 'Broke Ministerial Code' Report Will Say
A Government report is expected to find that former Defence Secretary Liam Fox broke the Ministerial Code in his dealings with his friend Adam Werritty, However, the report, being compiled by Cabinet Secretary Sir Gus O'Donnell, is also expected to claim Mr Fox did not gain financially from the arrangements or his controversial dealings and trips t
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Second Tory MP Faces 'Adviser' Questions
Another Conservative minister is facing questions accused on the role of an associate who was claiming to be his officially adviser.
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Former Defence Secretary Liam Fox Calls For Radical Tax Cuts
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The government should cut taxes in an effort to stimulate economic growth, former Defence Secretary Liam Fox has said. Fox used an interview in the Time newspaper to call for capital gains tax to be suspended for three years. He also added that employment laws should be reformed, making it easier to hire and fire employees.
26 January 2004
OFT warning over bogus doorstep charity collectors
As Britons begin think about spring cleaning, the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has warned the public to be wary of bogus charity clothing collections – a practice which costs genuine charities around £1 million a year.
OFT warning over bogus doorstep charity collectors
As Britons begin think about spring cleaning, the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has warned the public to be wary of bogus charity clothing collections – a practice which costs genuine charities around £1 million a year.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
