Chilcot: Iraq inquiry needs 'additional assistance' from Government to complete its work

Sir John Chilcot first announced the terms of reference of his inquiry into the causes of the Iraq war in 2009 (PA) (PA)

The Iraq Inquiry will require “additional assistance” from the Government to complete its work, chairman Sir John Chilcot has said.

In a letter to Tory MP Crispin Blunt, the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, Sir John said he had discussed with officials what extra help would be needed “in its  closing stages”.

Sir John insisted the inquiry is making “significant progress” but he could not yet set out a timetable, further frustrating No 10’s attempts to hasten the publication.

This week, the head of the Civil Service Sir Jeremy Heywood said he had repeatedly offered help in a bid to speed up the release of the report, which was set up in 2009 and has cost £10.3m.

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Last month, the Prime Minister expressed disappointment to Sir John that there was no timetable for the release, saying those who served in Iraq or lost loved ones there “have been awaiting your work”.