Tony Blair could be sued by families of Iraq war dead over Chilcot report findings

'We want to see if it will point some legal liability at anyone,' says Roger Bacon, whose son Matthew died in Iraq in 2005

Tony Blair has said that Brexit is not inevitable (Getty)

The families of military personnel killed during the Iraq war are planning to use the results of the Chilcot inquiry to sue Tony Blair, former minister and generals.

The Iraq Families Action Group, which was set up to seek justice for the 179 soldiers killed in the eight-year war, is looking to bring lawsuits against former officials for unlimited damages.

The Iraq Inquiry, chaired by Sir John Chilcot, began hearings in November 2009 and will release its final report on 6 July after much criticism over the time and expense taken.

Roger Bacon, whose son Matthew died in 2005 when his Snatch Land Rover was hit by a roadside bomb, said the group will look to use the inquiry's report to take legal action over alleged failure to provide effective equipment to the troops.

He told The Times: We want to see if it [the inquiry] will point some legal liability at anyone. In the back of our minds from the beginning has been the idea that, if appropriate, we would carry things forward.

“There’s the legality of going to war and issues with equipment. For me, the issue is the duty of care to the soldiers...and for us in particular that refers to the Snatch Land Rover.

"Why did they get it so wrong? To me that makes them culpable.”

The families are most likely to accuse ministers and officials of misfeasance in public office or breaching their duty of care, legal experts claim.

Misfeasance of public office is a charge dating back to 1703 which means the misuse or abuse of power while in public office.

Solicitor Matthew Jury, from McCue & Partners, who is representing 29 of the families in the group, said he will be scrutinising the report once it is published.

He said: "Before the report is published, it would be premature to say anything other than...the families will decide on any appropriate action at the proper time.

"After all this time and in matters of such rare gravity, unrushed and full examination will be essential for the sake of the families, the armed forces and for the British public itself."

Mr Blair has hinted he could dispute the report's findings.

Asked on the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show whether he would accept the report's conclusions, the former Prime Minister responded: “Well it’s hard to say that when I haven’t seen it.

"Well, of course, you don’t see the report until it comes out so let’s wait for that point but I think when you go back and look at what was said I don’t think anyone can seriously dispute I was making it clear what my position was.

"By the way, the thing that will be important when it does happen is that we then have then a full debate and I look forward to participating in that. Make no mistake about that."