New questions over Britain's defense minister

LONDON (AP) — Britain's main opposition party said Thursday it was deeply concerned by new allegations about a controversial personal friendship that are heaping pressure on the country's defense minister.

A government inquiry is scrutinizing the role of Defense Secretary Liam Fox's friend Adam Werritty, who had access to the minister's schedule, arranged unofficial meetings and has been present on 18 overseas trips since May 2010.

Lawmaker Jim Murphy, the opposition Labour Party's defense spokesman, said he was deeply concerned over allegations that a circle of business executives offered Werritty funding to act as an unofficial adviser.

The BBC, without citing its …