Fury as Chilcot report into the Iraq War may be delayed until AFTER the EU referendum
Tory backbencher David Davis said it was likely people could die the longer the delays continue
FAMILIES fear David Cameron is secretly delaying the long-awaited Chilcot report into the Iraq War until after the EU Referendum so he doesn’t upset Labour.
Sources told the Sun they believe the PM is happy to wait until later this year because of the controversy it would cause.
Tory backbencher David Davis said yesterday said there would be “uproar” if the report – due to be handed to Government officials on Monday – is not released in May.
Critics believe a hold-up would suit David Cameron who is desperate to keep pro-EU Labour MPs onside ahead of the vote on June 23.
Last night Peter Brierley, who lost his son L/Cpl Shaun Brierley in the conflict, said there was no need for further hold-ups.
He said: “How does the publication of this report affect the referendum? It shouldn’t affect it at all. The Labour party are split anyway. It shouldn’t be put back any longer. We’ve waited long enough.
“It would be a massive disappointment if it was delayed because of this. Ministers said they wanted to stick to the timetable.”
Matthew Jury, the lawyer representing the families, added: “There have been reports this is due to the EU referendum. Politics and intrigue have played far too big a part in this whole process.
“The EU referendum has nothing to do with the Iraq Inquiry report.
“The families have suffered far too much and have waited far too long. They deserve closure and deserve answers.
“What is outrageous is the suggestion that preparing the report for publication will take up to three months. It beggars belief in this day and age.”
The inquiry has so far taken six years and cost taxpayers £10million.
MPs yesterday described the delays as Government “self-protection” and “political chicanery”.
Labour’s Paul Flynn said it was “sinful, damaging and wicked”.
Security vetting on the finished report will take place from Monday and David Cameron has already said the process should only take a few weeks- meaning a May publication date is feasible.
Tory MP Mr Davis said it was likely people could die the longer the delays continue.
A spokeswoman for the Prime Minister said the publication date was in the hands of Sir John Chilcot but he wanted to see it published as soon as possible.