A report in The Independent notes that UK Ministers have been advised by a senior judge to consider opening an independent inquiry into all allegations of abuse made by Iraqi civilians against the British Army.

The move could lead to the biggest investigation into military malpractice ever heard in the country. Justice Silber, in a note written to lawyers acting for the Defence Secretary, Bob Ainsworth, has told the government: 'My provisional view is that I am uncertain what is to be gained by the Secretary of State continuing to contest these claims for investigation'. The judge, who is in charge of the management of the claims before the court, says he is concerned about the cost to the taxpayer of hearing 46 outstanding individual cases, and the impact this would have on the resources of the High Court.
Full report in The Independent