The report of an inquiry into Britain’s role in the Iraq war will be delayed until after a national election in May, its chairman said, provoking dismay from politicians of all parties on Wednesday.
Sir John Chilcot, who is heading an inquiry that began in 2009, wrote to Prime Minister David Cameron saying that the report was being delayed because individuals mentioned in it need a chance to respond.
“Until we have received and evaluated responses from all those who have been given the opportunity to respond, I cannot give an accurate estimate for how long it will then take to complete our work, but it is still clear that will take some further months,” Sir Chilcot said in the letter, released on Wednesday.
“I therefore see no realistic prospect of delivering our report to you before the general election in May 2015.”
The inquiry had its last evidence session in 2011, but the release has been stalled by wrangling over the inclusion of classified material, including conversations between then-Prime Minister Tony Blair and President George W. Bush.
Mr. Cameron expressed dismay at the decision, but rejected suggestions that the delay might make it appear there was a cover-up.
“I don’t think that’s right at all,” Cameron said.
