Theresa May has announced a crackdown on "no win no fee" law firms that "impugn" the name of army by making vexatious claims against troops.

The Prime Minister said that she wants to end the "industry" of vexatious claims against the armed forces to demonstrate to soldiers that they have "our full confidence and backing".

It comes amid mounting criticism of the Iraq Historic Allegations Team (Ihat), which was set up to investigate allegations of murder, abuse and torture by British troops.

Former soldiers have claimed they have been hounded through the courts on unfounded claims and there are growing calls for Ihat to be shut down.

Mrs May spoke out during a visit with the Defence Secretary, Sir Michael Fallon, to meet members of the 1 Mercian regiment at Picton Barracks, Bulford, Wiltshire.