U.K. minister Chris Huhne quits over criminal charge

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 offense 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.