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Chilcot Iraq war report delayed to 2013
17 July 2012Sir John Chilcot will not publish his report into the Iraq war until the second half of 2013 at the earliest, it has emerged.
In a letter to David Cameron, Sir John said the inquiry would not publish further "piecemeal" material in advance of the full report, which will comprise of more than a million words.
But the inquiry will not even begin the "Maxwellisation process" until the "middle of next year" – a process where individuals facing criticism would be informed and offered the "opportunity to make representations".
Only once that process is complete will the inquiry be able to publish its report.
The delay has been partly attributed an inability to publish "certain categories of evidence" including "discussions between the Prime Minister and the heads of state or government of other nations".
According to reports there have been ongoing disputes between the Cabinet Office and the inquiry over the release of material sent between former Prime Minister Tony Blair and former US President George Bush.
HAVE YOUR SAY
17 July 2012
Will be nothing but a whitewash anyway.
Daniele Mandelli - Guildford
19 July 2012
This is a severe blow for democracy/justice. It will add further to the belief that the rich/famous are above the law.
When was established in law or government enquiries that people committing potentially criminal acts have the right to censure the evidence against them?
Why cannot a shorter report be published now with the enquiries finding, and later, a full report where the official documents are included?
Finally who in "Whitehall" is making this decision?
If there is an element of guilt will he/they be prosecuted for being an accessory or will a fat pension be awarded
David Brooks - Loughborough/England/Citizen