Iraqi civilians have claims for damages blocked by Supreme Court

Hundreds of Iraqi civilians who allege they were detained and mistreated by British forces have had their claims for damages blocked by the Supreme Court.

The claims were launched in England against the Ministry of Defence in what has become known as the ''Iraqi Civilian Litigation'' after they were prevented from proceeding in Iraq itself, where the armed forces enjoy immunity from legal action.

The claims were given the go-ahead by the High Court in London but were blocked by the Court of Appeal - a decision which has now been upheld by Supreme Court justices.