Browne: 'Iran story-selling a mistake'

Defence Secretary Des Browne has admitted he "made a mistake" by not stopping the former Iran detainees from selling their stories to the media.

In the House of Commons, Mr Browne told MPs he "profoundly regretted" any questions his decision had raised about the reputation of Britain's armed forces.

In a highly-charged statement to outline details of inquiries into the controversial decision and the capture of the personnel by Iran, he insisted there had been "no apology and no deal" with the country to secure their release.

Mr Browne added that an inquiry into their capture will be led by the Governor General of Gibraltar, Lieutenant General Sir Rob Fulton, Royal Marines.

However, shadow defence secretary Liam Fox said Mr Browne's position is becoming untenable and the seizure of the sailors should never have been allowed to happen.

Yesterday, Home Secretary John Reid accepted Mr Brown's job was on the line, but praised his "courage and character" for admitting the decision to authorise Iran detainees to sell their stories was a mistake.

Meanwhile, Tony Blair - who is seen to have increased the pressure on Mr Browne by distancing himself from the move and describing it as not a good idea - insisted the matter should be kept in perspective.

"Let's not forget the essential thing is that 15 of our personnel were taken captive and they were released safe and unharmed," he said.

"We got them back without any deal at all, and we got them back safe. That was the priority we had throughout."

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