UK minister quits government after being charged with attempting to dodge speeding ticket The USA Times

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Friday, May 25, 2012

UK minister quits government after being charged with attempting to dodge speeding ticket

(AP Photo/Akira Suemori, File)

LONDON - Britain's Energy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne says he has quit the U.K. government after being charged with attempting to dodge a speeding penalty.

Huhne said Friday the decision to charge him with an offence of perverting the course of justice was "deeply regrettable."

"I am innocent of these charges and I intend to fight this in the courts and I am confident a jury will agree," Huhne said.

Huhne is alleged to have persuaded his now ex-wife, economist Vicky Pryce, to accept a speeding penalty on his behalf in 2003, to escape a driving ban.

Pryce also faces a charge of perverting the course of justice.

Prime Minister David Cameron's office did not immediately say who would replace Huhne.