Defence Secretary under pressure

Updated 19.26 Sun Apr 15 2007

Keywords: Defence Secretary, Iran, David Cameron, Des Browne

Tory leader David Cameron has insisted that Defence Secretary Des Browne will "have to go" if he fails to justify his handling of the cash-for-stories debacle.

Mr Cameron called for Mr Browne to "explain the actions his department and Number 10 took" when he makes a statement to MPs ton Monday.

Mr Cameron called for Mr Browne to "explain the actions his department and Number 10 took" when he makes a statement to MPs

He also hit out at the Government for "unacceptably" risking the reputation of Britain's Armed Forces in search of a "good headline".

The Conservatives sought to ratchet up the pressure on Mr Browne ahead of what is expected to be stormy ride in the Commons.

Many Labour backbenchers have expressed disquiet over the way he dealt with the issue of Iran detainees selling stories, while Prime Minister Tony Blair has distanced himself from the decision and admitted it was not a "good idea".

Mr Browne is expected to reiterate that, although he takes full responsibility, the choice was actually taken by the Navy and he was merely asked to "note" it.

He eventually slapped a ban on any further interviews appearing after "reflecting" on two published accounts with detainees.