THE report by Surrey Police confirms suspicions that there is a culture of bullying and intimidation within the British Army.

However, because the report essentially restricted itself to the examination of the death of recruits at Deepcut Barracks, it remains unclear how widespread that culture is.

At the conclusions of their inquiries Surrey Police called for a broader inquiry into Army training and the susceptibility of young soldiers. The Government must not hesitate in endorsing those findings, and order a public and independent inquiry into the deaths at Deepcut and the allegations of bullying throughout the service.

It is in no one's interest to let these matters remain unresolved.

For too long the Army has been a law unto itself. Processes of self-regulation and self-investigation are no longer acceptable.

The Army has appeared arrogant and secretive throughout this controversy. It is due solely to the determination to achieve justice of the families of the young soldiers who lost their lives that we have been able to reach this point.

The Army can no longer be excused from the level of accountability that other public services are routinely expected to endure.

It is unacceptable that soldiers with genuine concerns and grievances have no access to independent help, support or advice.

The public needs to be assured that 16 and 17-year-olds sent into the care of the Army are properly looked after. The investigation by Surrey Police suggests that the level of care may be below acceptable standards.

Only a public inquiry can gauge the weaknesses in the Army's procedures and recommend measures to improve them.

Without an inquiry of such magnitude, it will be difficult to restore public confidence in the service.