Chilcot report: David Cameron condemns latest delay to publication of Iraq war inquiry

“I recognise that you have a significant task, but would welcome any further steps you can take to expedite the final stages of the Inquiry”

Sir John Chilcot has said that he expects the report to be published in June or July next year (AFP)

David Cameron today condemned the latest delay to the Iraq inquiry report and urged Sir John Chilcot to speed up its publication.

In a letter to Sir John, the Prime Minister signalled his dismay that its conclusions would not emerge until June or July next year.

“Whilst it is welcome of course that there is now a clear end in sight for your Inquiry, I am disappointed – and I know the families of those who served in Iraq will also be disappointed – that you do not believe it will be possible logistically to publish your report until early summer.

“I recognise that you have a significant task, but would welcome any further steps you can take to expedite the final stages of the Inquiry.”

He raised doubts that it would take two or three months to check the final report for security issues, pointing out that security checks on the Saville inquiry into Bloody Sunday took only a fortnight.

“It would certainly be our plan and expectation to take no longer than this, and we will look to complete the process more quickly,” Mr Cameron said.

A Downing Street spokesman said: “The Prime Minister’s view is that this clearly has been going on for a considerable amount of time. He has always been clear it’s imperative the report is out as soon as possible.”