British MPs press for release of Chilcot report on Iraq war

A senior member of the UK's ruling Conservative Party has said there will be "uproar" if the long-delayed report into Britain's involvement in the Iraq war is not published as promised by the government before the end of April.

David Davis, a former party chairman and shadow home secretary, said it would be "inexplicable" for the British government to further delay publication of the Chilcot report after it is handed over on Monday. Officials have asked for two weeks to conduct national security checks on its content.

However, reports in British media on Wednesday suggested publication would be delayed until after the UK's referendum on EU membership on 23 June.

Davis, who stood against current Prime Minister David Cameron for the Conservative leadership in 2005, is due to lead a backbench debate on Thursday to press the government to ensure checks take no longer than two weeks.

"I cannot conceive why it should be delayed for that reason - it is inexplicable.

"It's got no real relevance to Europe at all. Maybe it's the government not wanting anything to rock the boat while this referendum is going on."

"I think we'll win the battle. If not, frankly, there will be an uproar."

Davis's comments came after the speaker of the house, John Bercow, said on Wednesday that the wait for the report had been "exceptionally and excessively protracted".

Bercow said he had received no indication from ministers that they planned to update MPs on the status of the report.

"I think when this issue has been aired in the House the sense of dissatisfaction across the chamber has been audible, frankly not just to the chair but to millions of people throughout the country.

"It has become exceptionally and excessively protracted so I understand your frustration and you've put it on the record again.

"I hope it will have been heard in the appropriate quarters."