13/05/2004
Daily Mirror abuse photos 'not taken in Iraq'
Controversial pictures published by the Daily Mirror which purported to depict the alleged abuse of Iraqi detainees by British soldiers were "categorically not taken in Iraq", the Commons was told today.
Defence Minister Adam Ingram told MPs that the legitimacy of the photographs – which appeared to depict members of the Queen's Lancashire Regiment engaged in the abuse of a hooded and bound man in the back of a lorry – was seriously undermined as the vehicle in the pictures was not used in Iraq.
The Minister added that the photographs had endangered the safety of British troops and affected the morale of troops operating in southern Iraq.
Mr Ingram said he was unable to elaborate further as a criminal investigation by the Royal Military Police was ongoing.
The editor of the Daily Mirror Piers Morgan, who has steadfastly defended his decision to publish the photos, was urged by Mr Ingram to cooperate fully with the inquiry.
(gmcg)
Defence Minister Adam Ingram told MPs that the legitimacy of the photographs – which appeared to depict members of the Queen's Lancashire Regiment engaged in the abuse of a hooded and bound man in the back of a lorry – was seriously undermined as the vehicle in the pictures was not used in Iraq.
The Minister added that the photographs had endangered the safety of British troops and affected the morale of troops operating in southern Iraq.
Mr Ingram said he was unable to elaborate further as a criminal investigation by the Royal Military Police was ongoing.
The editor of the Daily Mirror Piers Morgan, who has steadfastly defended his decision to publish the photos, was urged by Mr Ingram to cooperate fully with the inquiry.
(gmcg)
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05 May 2004
Troops inquiry must 'take its course,' says Minister
The Armed Forces Minister has said that inquiry into the alleged conduct of some British Troops in Iraq must be allowed to "take its course".
Troops inquiry must 'take its course,' says Minister
The Armed Forces Minister has said that inquiry into the alleged conduct of some British Troops in Iraq must be allowed to "take its course".
14 May 2004
Queen's Lancashire Regiment CO demands apology
The CO of the British regiment accused by the Daily Mirror of alleged prisoner abuse has demanded an apology. Speaking at a press conference today, Brigadier Geoff Sheldon of the Queen's Lancashire Regiment said that the photos had been proven to be a hoax.
Queen's Lancashire Regiment CO demands apology
The CO of the British regiment accused by the Daily Mirror of alleged prisoner abuse has demanded an apology. Speaking at a press conference today, Brigadier Geoff Sheldon of the Queen's Lancashire Regiment said that the photos had been proven to be a hoax.
05 May 2004
Pictures' authenticity of 'utmost seriousness': Howard
Conservative leader Michael Howard has told parliament that the allegations of torture in the Daily Mirror had done "enormous damage". Mr Howard told the House of Commons this morning that the authenticity of the pictures was a "matter of the utmost seriousness".
Pictures' authenticity of 'utmost seriousness': Howard
Conservative leader Michael Howard has told parliament that the allegations of torture in the Daily Mirror had done "enormous damage". Mr Howard told the House of Commons this morning that the authenticity of the pictures was a "matter of the utmost seriousness".
19 July 2004
British soldier dies in Basrah helicopter crash
A British soldier has died after an RAF helicopter crashed in southern Iraq today. The MoD confirmed that the soldier was killed in "an accident" involving an RAF Puma helicopter at Basrah International Airport. Two other British military personnel were injured during the incident.
British soldier dies in Basrah helicopter crash
A British soldier has died after an RAF helicopter crashed in southern Iraq today. The MoD confirmed that the soldier was killed in "an accident" involving an RAF Puma helicopter at Basrah International Airport. Two other British military personnel were injured during the incident.
30 November 2004
Deepcut abuse allegations subject of independent review
Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram told MPs today that Deepcut army barracks in Surrey will be the subject of an independent investigation following allegations of abuse. Confirmation of the independent review will come as welcome news to the families of the four recruits who died at the base between 1995 and 2002.
Deepcut abuse allegations subject of independent review
Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram told MPs today that Deepcut army barracks in Surrey will be the subject of an independent investigation following allegations of abuse. Confirmation of the independent review will come as welcome news to the families of the four recruits who died at the base between 1995 and 2002.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.