PENDLE MP Gordon Prentice has demanded answers from the Government over charges faced by a Nelson soldier.

Trooper Kevin Williams, 21, of Cravendale Avenue, is accused of the murder of a civilian in Iraq and was to appear at the Old Bailey today.

But the Labour backbencher has asked a senior law official how he could be charged in the civil courts when his commanding officer ruled out a military prosecution.

Trooper Williams, a tank driver with the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, was the first British serviceman charged with murder while serving in the war-torn country.

Mr Prentice said he was deeply concerned his constituent faced double jeopardy - with Army deciding not to prosecute but then finding himself the subject of civil criminal action.

He quizzed Solicitor General Harriet Harman in the Commons asking her what the Attorney General's role was when it came to service personnel.

She explained regular meetings were held with prosecuting authorities and that serious allegations could be tried by court martial or in a crown court.

Mrs Harman added: "Normally, the most appropriate jurisdiction is agreed between the CPS and the Army Prosecution Authority. If there is no agreement it is for the Attorney General to decide in which jurisdiction the matter should be tried."