§ Harry CohenTo ask the Prime Minister what procedures exist for investigations to be carried out into cause of deaths in custody in British detention centres in Iraq; and if he will make a statement. [121603]
§ The Prime MinisterAny deaths that occur while an individual is in the custody of British forces are investigated by the Special Investigation Branch (SIB) of the Royal Military Police (RMP). Mandatory force regulations require that the RMP be informed of any death immediately. The SIB then carry out an investigation into the cause of death. There are set procedures that exist for investigations of this nature and they involve the examination of witnesses, an investigation of the scene of the crime and the arrest, detention and questioning of suspects as appropriate.