UK MPs criticise delay in publishing Iraq War inquiry report

Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron (L) shakes hands with Iraq's Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi outside of number 10 Downing Street in London, January 22, 2015. REUTERS/Toby Melville

LONDON (Reuters) - British members of parliament on Thursday criticised the delay in publishing a long-awaited official report into Britain's role in the Iraq War until after May's election, describing it as "an insult" and "an affront to democracy".

The inquiry, headed by former civil servant John Chilcot, was set up six years ago to investigate the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq and its aftermath. Britain was Washington's main ally in the war despite widespread public opposition.