UN tells Britain to probe Iraq torture claims

BRITAIN has been urged by the United Nations to investigate claims of murder, torture and abuse by its troops in Iraq.

The UN Committee Against Torture said an independent public inquiry should be established and the UK should ‘refrain’ from bringing in laws that grant an amnesty to troops who could have been implicated in mistreatment.

The panel expressed concern that no prosecutions for war crimes or torture had resulted from probes by the discredited Iraq Historic Allegations Team.

The UN committee also said it was ‘seriously concerned’ that allegations of torture and killing by the Army during the Troubles in Northern Ireland have not been ‘effectively investigated’.

The Government is already facing claims that it is failing to take action to stop a ‘witch-hunt’. Last week Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt backed an effective amnesty for veterans while Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley announced plans for an investigative body to probe incidents in the Troubles.