Liam Fox apologises to MPs over Adam Werritty affair
FORMER defence secretary Liam Fox has apologised to fellow MPs over his association with close friend and self-styled adviser Adam Werritty.
He said his resignation last week had come as "a deep personal disappointment".
In a personal statement to the House of Commons a day after Sir Gus O'Donnell's report into his links with Mr Werritty, Dr Fox accepted the Cabinet Secretary's conclusion that he had breached the ministerial code.
Dr Fox paid tribute to his wife Jesme and pledged his continuing loyalty to David Cameron's Government.
"I will continue to give this Government my full support as they rescue the economy from the mess we inherited," he said.
Dr Fox said: "I have attempted to be clear and transparent on all the issues raised. I would like to say again that I am very sorry to all my colleagues here in the House and to all those who feel let down by the decisions that I have made.
"I have always believed in personal responsibility and I accept the Cabinet Secretary's conclusions. I am pleased at the explicit acknowledgement that I neither sought, expected, nor received any financial gain that was being widely and wrongly implied.
"I also welcome the clarification of the fact that no national security issues were breached, no classified documents made available, and no classified matters briefed. These accusations were also widely made and deeply hurtful.
"The ministerial code had been found to be breached and for this I am sorry. I accept that it is not only the substance but perception that matters and that is why I chose to resign. I accept the consequences for me without bitterness or rancour.
"I do not blame anyone else but I believe you do not turn your back on your friends or family in times of trouble."
