Jarrow MP demands apology over Iraq report delays

A South Tyneside MP has called for an apology to families over delays in publishing a report into the Iraq war.

By The Newsroom

Published 29th Apr 2016, 10:09 BST

Updated 4th May 2016, 15:07 BST

Jarrow and Hebburn MP Stephen Hepburn asked if the minister will apologise to families as they continue to wait for the publication of the Chilcot report. Mr Hepburn said: “British troops served fewer years in Iraq than during the First and Second World wars, and the First and Second World Wars did not take as long as it has taken to publish the Chilcot report. “Will the Minister make an apology to my constituent Pat Long, whose son was killed in the Iraq war, for these unforgivable delays?”

Pat’s son, Corporal Paul Long, 24, died on June 24 2003 after the police station they were sent to, in Majar-al-Kabir in south east Iraq, was surrounded and attacked.

Cabinet Office Minister, Matthew Hancock MP, said: “I understand the concern and the concern of his constituents. Thankfully, we will get to the conclusion of this process soon.”