Britain accused of ‘losing its grip’ in Iraq

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.

In a turbulent Commons session, MPs reacted with incredulity as he disclosed that ministers had not been shown a Red Cross report highlighting concerns about treatment of detainees in Iraq until the allegations surfaced in the press.

Mr Hoon revealed ministers had had to act to stop the routine "hooding" of prisoners a practice banned by British forces since the 1970s and he reiterated Prime Minister Tony Blair's "unreserved apology" to any Iraqis who had been maltreated.