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Images of Iraqi detainees left beaten and bruised or hooded and bound have done terrible damage to Britain’s reputation in Iraq in the same way that pictures from Abu Ghraib of US soldiers committing abuse shamed the United States.

Sent to dispose of a dictator and install the rule of law, the action of certain soldiers has undermined much of the good work that was achieved during the six years that British forces operated in the south of the country.

The Ministry of Defence maintains that there was never a culture of widespread abuse of detainees.

However, evidence heard at an ongoing inquiry into the death of a hotel receptionist who suffered 93 injuries while in British custody in southern Iraq, suggests that there was a general use of banned techniques on Iraqis who had been arrested, such as hoods and stress positions.

In addition, the drip, drip of new cases of abuse allegations that are coming to light will continue to raise questions about the conduct of British forces.

The Ministry of Defence announced this year the creation of an Iraq Historic Allegations Team to examine cases of alleged torture and ill-treatment of Iraqi detainees.

It was a welcome move, but the MoD must ensure that a goal to complete the investigation process within two years is maintained despite severe financial constraints that look set to affect most governmental departments after the election.

In the event that complaints turn out to be true, proper damages should be paid. Equally, if allegations prove to be false, lodged by opportunistic individuals looking for a payout, then that, too, should be made public.

Only by demonstrating a respect for human rights and due process will Britain and the rest of the international community have a chance of hoping that the Iraqi Government — which has a very poor record on human rights — will follow suit.