MPs probe UK troop role in Iraq

The committee is to hold its second inquiry into Iraq

The role of British troops in Iraq is to be looked at in a new inquiry by the House of Commons defence committee.

The MPs will look at how troops should act after the 30 June handover of power and how long they will stay.

They will not examine claims of abuse by troops - but they will consider the relationship between the military and civilians in Iraq.

News of the inquiry came as the UN Security Council vote for a UK and US-backed resolution on Iraq on Tuesday.

Resolution 1546 sets out the powers and constraints for the new interim Iraqi government, due to take power from the US administration on 30 June.

The defence committee has already published another report on lessons to be learned from the war.

It is expected to start its new inquiry in two weeks' time and will report back by the end of 2004.

New investigations

Committee chairman Bruce George said: "British forces have played a crucial role in tackling the vast array of problems that have blighted post-conflict Iraq and they will continue to do so after the handover of sovereignty at the end of this month.

"This inquiry will allow us to look at what work has already been undertaken, as well the role that British forces will play after June 30 and the problems and challenges that they will have to overcome."

On Tuesday it emerged military police are investigating more cases of civilian deaths and alleged ill-treatment involving UK forces in Iraq than first stated.

Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram said some 61 cases are being probed, instead of the 33 he disclosed to the House of Commons on 4 May.

A further 14 investigations have been initiated since 4 May, he added.