Horrific allegations deserve scrutiny by ICC - Shami Chakrabarti

"These horrific allegations of child murder and prisoner torture and sexual abuse deserve anxious scrutiny by the International Criminal Court. 

"Politicians put service personnel in harm's way and have ultimate responsibility for their leadership. To cover-up abuse only undermines Britain’s reputation, military morale and leaves our own people more vulnerable to abuse by enemy hands in the future. 

"The Tories cynically use the military as an excuse for attacking human rights laws. Now Ministers must answer these serious charges that they mislead the public and stifled war crimes investigations by the Royal Military Police."

Ends

Notes to Editors

• The ICC told the BBC that it would assess the findings of Panorama and decide whether to launch 'a landmark investigation into the UK': https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-50455077
• 'War Crimes Scandal Exposed' airs on Monday 28th November on BBC One at 21:00 GMT.