GETTY British troops in Basra, southern Iraq

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The left-winger, fresh from his coronation as Labour leader in Liverpool yesterday, insisted there should be no amnesty for war heroes returning form the frontline despite mounting criticism that soldiers are facing false accusations of crimes committed in the fog of war. Mr Corbyn said the UK had signed up to international law and it would be a "step too far" to say troops should not face prosecution for their actions. But his predecessor Tony Blair, who twice took the country to war, said he was "very sorry" that soldiers were being put through such an "ordeal", and said the process looking into claims should never have been set up.

Bearing Witness: Five Years of Reporting War in Iraq Wed, April 9, 2008 You may find some images disturbing Play slideshow 1 of 12 An Iraqi man suspected of carrying explosives in his car is held under arrest by US Army near Baquba (PIC: Jorge Silva)

The Iraq Historic Allegations Team (Ihat), which investigates claims of murder and abuse by British soldiers in Iraq, has come under fire for its handling of allegations. Concerns have been raised about false accusations being made and the length of time taken to address claims. Legal support is now being offered to support soldiers affected but the probe after the Defence Secretary Michael Fallon stepped in.

GETTY Ihat was set up to review and investigate allegations of abuse by Iraqi civilians by UK armed forces

GETTY The alleged offences range from murder to low-level violence

But Mr Corbyn told the Andrew Marr programme this morning: “I think there has to be investigation. "Saying never to prosecute, I think, would be a step too far." His remarks followed a recognition by former prime minister Mr Blair that the investigation was making the job of British soldiers “harder to do”.

GETTY The investigation covers the period from 2003 to July 2009

GETTY Blair and Corbyn have different views on the investigation