"As I said in my previous statement, this is one of a very small number of cases dealing with allegations of deliberate abuse against Iraqi citizens. Some commentators have reported that there have been 164 Service Police investigations into incidents involving Iraqi citizens. But I must stress that this figures includes routine investigations, 100 of which arise from our strict policy of examining the circumstances of our returning fire in the course of a fire fight. The Police have concluded that very few of these allegations have any foundation. Where there is evidence it is being pursued. There are in fact, four other known cases involving allegations of deliberate abuse have been or may be referred to the prosecuting authorities. You will understand that, for legal reasons I am unable to comment further on these cases. But this number of alleged incidents must be seen in the context that they implicate only a tiny minority of now well-over 65,000 servicemen and women who have served, or are serving, in Iraq, and whose work is committed to rebuilding that country on behalf of the Iraqi people.
"I want to be clear that the British Army is not complacent about this. Following all operational commitments, we undertake a process of continuous and determined professional review. Now that this courts-martial is completed and in view of the nature of this particular incident, I will be appointing a senior experienced officer to assess what lessons we may need to learn. He will also track any subsequent prosecutions and will report to me with recommendations for action. We will publish our findings when we are no longer constrained by the legal process.
"Let me finish. The Army sets high standards and demands that they are met. Those who fail to meet these standards are and will be called to account. I believe that this Courts-Martial illustrates plainly our approach of transparency and accountability: it was held in open court, in the full glare of public scrutiny, and to the same standards of justice and independence that are present in the civilian judicial system. I hope what I have said today reinforces our commitment to openness and our desire to maintain the highest standards of conduct in the Army."
Shortly afterwards the Secretary of State for Defence, the Rt Hon Geoff Hoon MP, issued the following statement:
"The conclusion of the recent Courts-Martial in Osnabruck, and the lifting of reporting restrictions on an earlier Courts-Martial about the same incident enables me to say more about the outcome of both trials, although I must take into account that both cases are still subject to the statutory process of Review and potential appeal.
"I was profoundly disturbed when I first saw the photographs. I do, however, share the Chief of the General Staff's view that the incidents depicted do not reflect typical behaviour and standards of the British Army. We also agree that it is right to apologise on behalf of the Army to the victims and the people of Iraq.
"The Chief of the General Staff has now issued a statement on this and future cases. He explained that this was the first in a possible five cases which might come to court where the allegation against members of the British Army is that they committed acts of deliberate abuse against Iraqis. These cases involve up to 22 soldiers.
"The Chief of the General Staff announced on behalf of the British Army that he has asked a senior officer to assess what lessons we need to learn in light of this and the other cases that might come to court, and to make recommendations for action. We will publish the findings from this work when the Army is no longer constrained by the legal processes. I fully support this statement.
"The Army sets high standards and demands that they are met. The recent Courts-Martial have demonstrated that those who fail to meet those standards are called to account. The vast majority of Servicemen and women do, however, perform to the very highest standards. Their service in Iraq has been outstanding and we are right to be proud of this."
