Cameron DELAYED Iraq probe to avoid embarrassing pro-EU Tony Blair, Tory MP claims
THE probe into the controversial Iraq war has been delayed until after the EU referendum to avoid embarrassing ’In' campaigner Tony Blair, a leading Brexit campaigner has claimed.
David Cameron has been accused of delaying the release of the Chilcot inquiry
Former minister of State for Europe David Davis accused David Cameron of delaying the publication of Sir John Chilcot's Iraq inquiry to save Blair's reputation before the vote on June 23.
The investigation began taking evidence in 2009 and finished the process in February 2011.
David Davis accused Blair of being a 'cheerleader for the In campaign'
But Mr Davis believes the Prime Minister is saving the former Prime Minister blushes while he battles for the ’In’ campaign.
Mr Blair is expected to come under heavy criticism for the controversial war which began in March 2003.
Blair is expected to come under heavy criticism for the 2003 conflict
It is clear that Tony Blair is going to be a cheerleader for the 'In' campaign
Mr Davis described Blair as a “cheerleader for the ‘In’ campaign” and claimed Mr Cameron is saving his blushes.
The Brexit supporter told The Telegraph: “Now that it is clear that Tony Blair is going to be a cheerleader for the 'In' campaign it is obvious that this delay on the Chilcot report is nothing more than cynical political expediency.
“Frankly this compounds the hurt and insult for the parents and loved ones of the soldiers who gave their lives to their country in Iraq.”
Matthew Jury, a lawyer representing 29 families of British soldiers who died in Iraq, added: “The families simply cannot understand why, if the report is finalised this Friday, it will then take three months for it just to be typeset and proofread.
“The families have asked the Inquiry several times for a suitable explanation, but one hasn’t been given. This lack of transparency is appalling.”
The Prime Minister told MPs the inquiry will be published after the EU referendum
Mr Cameron revealed the Chilcot inquiry will be published "not too much longer" after the referendum.
Speaking to MPs, he said: "[There is] a referendum on June 23, and I'm sure the Chilcot report will come not too much longer after that."