LONDON - Britain announced Tuesday that a judge-led inquiry into allegations that its spies complicity in the torture of terror suspects held by the U.S. and other allies to keep and will pay compensation to prisoners found to have abused.
The probe, led by retired judge Peter Gibson, exchange of information may hamper with Washington.
Consequently civil cases against the government by 12 former detainees who claim British intelligence officers colluded in their abuse in Pakistan, Morocco and elsewhere.
Prime Minister David Cameron told lawmakers in the House of Commons that "the recent years the reputation of our security was overshadowed by allegations about their involvement in the treatment of prisoners by other countries.
"It's time to clear up this matter once and for all," he said.
Cameron said the government would ask the 12 to drop their lawsuits in return for mediation, any compensation and a promise to investigate thoroughly research their claims.
He said the investigation could not start until the conclusion of a criminal investigation underway into allegations against the two officers of MI5 and MI6 intelligence.
"We hope that it will begin before the end of this year and will report within one year," said Cameron.
Cameron said Gibson will decide which parts of the examination can be held in public, but that intelligence officers will not be necessary to publicly testify.
Gibson, the Intelligence Commissioner, a watchdog for the British spies