Reports slam British response

Britain yesterday, banned military and naval personnel from selling tales of their exploits to the media, following an outcry when sailors seized by Iran published stories in exchange for cash.

One report commissioned by the government into the incident concluded the Ministry of Defence was guilty of "a collective failure of judgment or an abstention of judgment" in allowing two of the former hostages to profit from recounting their experience to the media.

Another government commissioned report into operational mistakes during the group's seizure concluded the individuals involved "could have done more to prevent what happened" and recommended improvements in intelligence handling, communications and training.