Britain probes ex-brass who boasted of political access

LONDON (AP) - Britain's defense ministry is investigating whether retired senior officers broke any rules after they were recorded by undercover journalists as appearing to offer to lobby the government on behalf of defence companies.

The Sunday Times said officers, including the former head of the army General Richard Dannatt and former defence procurement chief Lieutenant-General Richard Applegate, had boasted about their access to ministers and senior officials.

The officers denied wrongdoing, and the newspaper did not suggest they had broken any laws. Retired personnel are allowed to work for the private sector two years after leaving the military.

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said the revelations were "deeply damaging to the individuals", but he denied retired officers had any influence on decisions about procurement.