Brit Independent Inquiry into the Iraq War Was Set Up in 2009

Iraq War inquiry: Crucial step yet to start

17 May 2014 - A crucial step in the procedure for publishing the long-delayed report of the Chilcot Inquiry into the Iraq War has yet to start, the BBC understands.

The inquiry, which has cost more than £7m, interviewed its last witness three years ago but has yet to be published.

Whitehall sources said the process of allowing some people to respond to the inquiry's findings had not begun.

Prime Minister David Cameron said on Friday he "very much hoped" the report would be ready by the end of the year.

But Mr Cameron has also conceded that this timetable was not in his gift.

Notes and conversations

BBC News understands there are still significant obstacles to overcome.

Before publication, those facing criticism have to be given an opportunity to respond privately.

Sir John Chilcot had intended to begin this process last year but Whitehall sources said this was yet to get under way.

BBC political correspondent Iain Watson says the prime minister is hopeful this will happen soon. read more>>>

Now America loses Blair's 'I'll back Iraq war' letter to Bush:

17 May 2014 - Mystery of missing note that told US President, 'whatever you do, I'm with you'

** Tony Blair has so far refused to release letters written to George W Bush

** The archive contains 25 personal letters and 130 official records concerning Iraq

** The refusal has led to a delay in Sir John Chilcot's report on the decision to go to war

A personal letter written by Tony Blair to George Bush backing his plan to wage war on Iraq has reportedly ‘gone missing’ from the official Presidential library – as pressure grows on the former Prime Minister to sanction the release of the private notes he wrote to Mr Bush.

The letter, which is said to begin with the words: ‘You know, George, whatever you decide to do, I’m with you’, was last night described by a senior figure involved in the diplomatic negotiations at the time as ‘absolutely critical’ to the public’s understanding of the war – because it reveals the extent to which Mr Blair gave Mr Bush a ‘blank cheque’.

Mr Blair’s refusal to authorise the publication of 25 personal letters and 130 official records of conversations with Mr Bush has led to a long delay in the publication of Sir John Chilcot’s official report into the war. Sir John held his last public hearings in 2011. read more>>>

* * * The British Iraq War Inquiry * * *