BRITISH Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon said yesterday that any abuse of Iraqi prisoners by British troops would be “rooted out” amid accusations his government had “lost its grip” on Iraq policy.

The British government was tonight under pressure to reveal how long it has known about claims of British troops abusing Iraqi prisoners.

The troops who sparked furore over the weekend by releasing photos apparently showing UK servicemen abusing an Iraqi prisoner have stood by their account.

BRITISH Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon was last night accused of “bullying” after he reportedly said the Government weapons expert David Kelly was “no martyr” and that he took his life because he feared he would be exposed as a liar.

THE British Government yesterday dismissed calls for Geoff Hoon to quit as Defence Secretary over the death of a soldier shot after being ordered to hand back his body armour.