The idea that the British carried out hundreds of war crimes in Iraq is, of course, utterly without foundation and grossly unfair.

It is one thing to go into combat, but quite another to go in with the sapping knowledge that what you do in the next few chaotic minutes or hours in the name of your mates, your regiment, your country, might also see you dragged into court.

I know, as a former serving officer, that our troops are extremely well disciplined and well led, and they take the correct treatment of prisoners very seriously.

Nicholas Soames Quotes