Charles Kennedy, the Leader of the Liberal Democrats, has challenged the government to publish the details of the Red Cross report on prisoners held in Iraq. Mr Kennedy said:
"If the Government has known about this since February, the Defence Secretary should tell us exactly what steps have been taken to investigate the allegations of abuse of Iraqi prisoners by British troops.
"The Government could immediately ease public concern by publishing the details of the Red Cross report. It is essential that this is dealt with quickly and openly. We owe it to the troops serving in the difficult and dangerous circumstances in Iraq - and to their families - to remove the cloud of suspicion that is now hanging over our operations there.
"This is particularly important if the Iraqi people are to have confidence in the June 30th handover to a transitional authority."
ENDS