I think Tony Blair summed it up well:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/3698269.stm
Mr Blair, speaking on French television during a trip to France to mark Europe Day, said: "We apologise deeply to anyone who has been mistreated by any of our soldiers. That is absolutely and totally unacceptable.

"Those who are responsible for this - if they have behaved in this appalling way - they will be punished according to the Army disciplinary rules.

"I hope people understand, though, that is not what the majority of our soldiers are doing there.

"The activities of a few people who have brought shame to their situation should not detract from the work done by the vast majority."