British PM slams law firms over Iraq war claims

LONDON

British Prime Minister David Cameron has described legal firms pursuing allegations of war crimes involving U.K. troops in Iraq as "an industry trying to profit from spurious claims".

In a statement on Friday after a National Security Council meeting, Cameron said that he ordered ministers to produce "a comprehensive plan to stamp out this industry".

"It's unacceptable and no way to treat the people who risk their lives to keep our country safe. It has got to end," Cameron said.

One of the law firms involved, London-based Leigh Day, has already been referred to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal, which determines breaches of the rules and regulations governing lawyers.

Cameron stated that the plan to stop the law firms may include a "broader legislative package" that may "strengthen the investigative powers and penalties" that can be used against law firms which he said were abusing the system."

Leigh Day, which has been representing Iraqi litigants, denied the allegations made against it in relation to the work. In a statement published on Friday, Leigh Day said:

“We have a system in this country that enables people to obtain justice if they have suffered abuse, damage or loss at the hands of anyone.

“No-one is above the law, not us, not the British army and not the government. We cannot imagine that the prime minister is proposing that this should change."

LONDON

British Prime Minister David Cameron has described legal firms pursuing allegations of war crimes involving U.K. troops in Iraq as "an industry trying to profit from spurious claims".

In a statement on Friday after a National Security Council meeting, Cameron said that he ordered ministers to produce "a comprehensive plan to stamp out this industry".

"It's unacceptable and no way to treat the people who risk their lives to keep our country safe. It has got to end," Cameron said.

One of the law firms involved, London-based Leigh Day, has already been referred to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal, which determines breaches of the rules and regulations governing lawyers.

Leigh Day, which has been representing Iraqi litigants, denied the allegations made against it in relation to the work. In a statement published on Friday, Leigh Day said:

“We have a system in this country that enables people to obtain justice if they have suffered abuse, damage or loss at the hands of anyone.

“No-one is above the law, not us, not the British army and not the government. We cannot imagine that the prime minister is proposing that this should change."