The Ministry of Defence (pictured) has handed material to the Solicitors Regulation Authority about the conduct of a law firm, reported to be Public Interest Lawyers, handling claims by Iraqi civilians against the UK armed forces.

British soldiers were exonerated last year by the Al-Sweady inquiry after claims they were involved in murder and torture.

The SRA has confirmed it has received a dossier from the MoD, although there is no indication of how long its investigation will take. The firm denies any impropriety.