British troops who used banned torture methods on Iraqi prisoners were '100 per cent Chicksands' - it was claimed this week.

The Joint Committee on Human Rights heard on Tuesday from leading human rights solicitor Phil Shiner that the soldiers carrying out these torture methods were trained at the Defence Intelligence and Security Centre at Chicksands. (DISC)

Five techniques, branded 'inhumane,' that Mr Shiner said were taught at the Mid Beds DISC base included hooding, forcing detainees into stressful positions, sleep depravation, food deprivation, and noise.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence said: ""During both tactical questioning and interrogator training courses, students are taught their legal obligations under domestic and international law, including the Geneva Conventions, additional protocols and the European Convention on Human Rights.

"This is applied defence-wide with one dedicated tri-service training programme delivered by the Defence Intelligence and Security Centre. (DISC)

"Students are assessed during the course on the understanding and application of these principles.

"The procedures of the Armed Forces body that undertakes interrogation are conducted entirely within UK domestic and international law.

"UK training and guidance applies to all UK tactical questioning and Interrogation operations irrespective of the theatre."

Mr Shiner adressed MPs and members of the House and Lords saying: "The information I have is evidence in the court martial where you get the finger pointed at Chicksands.

"A Colonel Baker says that he was told that what was going on, hooding and stressing was, quote: '100 per cent Chicksands'.

For the full story pick up a copy of Friday, May 2 edition of the Biggleswade Chronicle.