Stand may beckon for top politicians at al-Sweady inquiry

The probe was officially launched in London on Tuesday with inquiry chairman Sir Thayne Ford, a retired High Court judge, setting out the terms of reference.

It will examine the cases of between 20 and 22 Iraqis who, it is alleged, were tortured and murdered in custody following a firefight between British forces and insurgents in south-east Iraq in May 2004.

The inquiry was instigated by Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth after he was found by the administrative court to have repeatedly failed in his duty to disclose evidence in the case.

It was further ruled that a Royal Military Police investigation shortly after the incident had been "lamentable."

Launching the inquiry on Tuesday Sir Thayne stated: "The inquiry hopes and expects to receive co-operation from all persons or organisations with relevant matterials or evidence, including in particular all agencies of government and the state."

He added that if that co-operation was not forthcoming the inquiry would exercise its "compulsory powers" to impel them to do so.

Secretary to the inquiry Lee Hughes revealed that it would not examine previous investigations into the incident, which were damned by the courts.

But when asked whether, in light of the chairman's comments, it was anticipated that senior government figures and politicians such as Mr Ainsworth might be called to give evidence, Mr Hughes said: "There is no limit to high the inquiry might go."

Khuder al-Sweady, the uncle of Hamida l-Sweady - one of those allegedly murdered - and five former prisoners who claim they were abused at the Camp Abu-Naji are bringing the case.

The are alleging unlawful killing and ill treatment by the British state. The MoD claim there is "no credible evidence" to support the allegations.

The inquiry proper is scheduled to start before the end of the year.