Hoon promises to act against 'abuse' soldiers

The government will "not hesitate to act" where British troops are found to have failed to uphold the Geneva Convention and International Humanitarian Law, the Defence secretary has said.

Speaking in the Commons yesterday, Geoff Hoon told MPs that all allegations of improper behaviour – allegedly depicted in controversial photographs published by the Daily Mirror – would be investigated.

The Defence Secretary went on to apologise unreservedly on behalf of the British government to any Iraqis who may have been mistreated.

"We will not hesitate to act where these high standards are not followed, and we will investigate when serious allegations are brought to our attention," he said.

Two cases have already reached an advanced stage with decisions on prosecution pending, MPs heard.

Mr Hoon also said that 33 investigations mentioned by Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram in a statement to Parliament last week were not begun in response to reports by the International Committee of the Red Cross or Amnesty International, or as the result of media pressure.

"We investigate ourselves through the Royal Military Police Special Investigations Branch immediately evidence is brought to hand," he said.

He said the government were determined to see through the task in Iraq according to standards of behaviour set out in the Geneva Convention and in International Humanitarian Law.

(gmcg)