Blair ‘says sorry to abused Iraqi prisoners’

British Prime Minister Tony Blair last night apologised to any Iraqi prisoners abused by British soldiers.

He stated that any such action was “absolutely and totally unacceptable”.

He also pledged any soldier found guilty of mistreating prisoners would face the full force of Army discipline.

“We apologise deeply to anyone who has been mistreated by any of our soldiers,” Blair said.

“That is absolutely and totally unacceptable. Those who are responsible for this – if they behaved in this appalling way – they will be punished according to the Army discipline and rules.”

Mr Blair was speaking on French television during his trip to France to mark Europe day.

He insisted the vast majority of British soldiers had behaved well.

“I hope people understand though that is not what the majority of soldiers are doing there,” he said.

“The activities of a few people who have brought shame to their situation should not detract from the work done by the vast majority.”

Downing Street said Mr Blair's apology was not an admission that the allegations were true.

A spokesman said: “Of course, if any Iraqi prisoner has been mistreated by UK forces then the Prime Minister believes it would be right to apologise for such unacceptable behaviour and that those responsible should be punished.”

Mr Blair’s words came as Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon prepared to make a statement to the House of Commons on allegations of abuse tomorrow.

He is under pressure to reveal when the Government first became aware of the claims.

The Ministry of Defence said tonight it had been investigating claims for several months.

The revelation came after campaign group Amnesty International said it had been in talks with the Government for a year over allegations that Iraqi prisoners had been tortured, and one killed, in British custody.

Downing Street also confirmed it was given a copy of a Red Cross report detailing alleged abuses by British and US soldiers a year ago.

But the Government has refused demands to release the report.