Tony Blair has apologised to those who may have been mistreated at the hands of UK troops in Iraq.

Speaking during a trip to France yesterday, the prime minister said: "We apologise deeply to anyone who has been mistreated by any of our soldiers. That is absolutely and totally unacceptable.

"Those who are responsible for this, if they have behaved in this appalling way, they will be punished according to the Army disciplinary rules.

"The activities of a few people who have brought shame to their situation should not detract from the work done by the vast majority."

Meanwhile, Geoff Hoon is set to brief MPs on the situation in Iraq where he will give details about the government's knowledge of Iraqi abuse claims.

The defence secretary will face questions about the allegations and the deterioration in the security situation in Iraq.

It is still unclear whether Hoon will make reference to plans to despatch a further 2,000 troops to Iraq.

However, ministers will not welcome an NOP poll in today's Independent which suggests that 55 per cent of voters support the withdrawal of all British troops from Iraq by the end of next month.