Tony Blair has repeated his condemnation of alleged mistreatment of Iraqi prisoners.

The prime minister's comments came as pressure mounts on both the British and US administrations in the wake of a raft of media allegations.

Amid calls for the resignation of US defence secretary Donald Rumsfeld, Tony Blair rounded on those responsible for the attacks on Iraqis.

"The abuse of prisoners, the torture of prisoners, degrading treatment of people in the custody of coalition forces, these things are completely and totally unacceptable. They are inexcusable, and there can be no possible justification for them," he said.

"And we must do everything that we can do and need to do in order to root out such practices and bring to justice those people who are responsible for them.

"I want to add one other thing, however. There are American soldiers losing their lives virtually day in, day out in Iraq.

"There are British servicemen that have died, there are British and Polish and other coalition soldiers who are risking their lives every single day in Iraq to help the people of Iraq, to help that country towards stability and democracy and prosperity.

"And I think at the same time as we root out any of those people that shame what we are trying to do, we pay tribute to the thousands of soldiers who will be as appalled as we are at any such inhumane treatment, but who are actually doing a job for their country and for the people of Iraq that needs to be done."

Cabinet talks

The prime minister had earlier held talks with colleagues on the security crisis in Iraq.

Blair briefed the Cabinet at its weekly meeting in Downing Street on the "unfolding security situation", according to his official spokesman.

He also "updated colleagues" on his discussions with UN special representative Lakhdar Brahimi this week ahead of the planned handover of power next month.

Brahimi has been trying to put together a plan that will win the support of the Iraqi Governing Council and increase UN involvement in the running of Iraq.

But the UN is reluctant to commit its staff to the country following an upsurge in terrorist attacks ahead of the handover.

Number 10 said ministers had not discussed any increase in UK troop numbers in Iraq, despite widespread media reports that the Ministry of Defence is ready to send an extra 2,000 soldiers to the Gulf.

The spokesman said "no decision has yet been taken" and refused to comment on reports that the US has asked Britain to fill the hole left by the departure of Spanish troops from the city of Najaf.

"We have said all along that we are in discussion with coalition colleagues and will keep the situation under review," said the spokesman.

Blair was also discussing Iraq and other issues with Polish president Aleksander Kwasniewski on Thursday.

The two leaders were using the second day of the official state visit to hold bilateral talks and a joint press conference.

Poland has been one of the few European countries to contribute forces to the Iraqi coalition.

Following Spain's decision to withdraw troops the UK government is keen to keep the remaining EU governments on side.

But the reports of mistreatment of prisoners is upping the pressure on ministers on both sides of the Atlantic.