The inquiry into the Iraq war , lead by Sir John Chilcot , began in 2009 , stopped taking evidence in 2011 , but will not report until 2016 , a source said . The findings of a long-awaited inquiry into the Iraq war are unlikely to be unveiled this year . Further delays to Sir John Chilcot ’ s inquiry into the war were reported by BBC ’ s Newsnight and will fuel claims those criticised over the war are trying to bury bad news . It was initially thought it would be delayed until after the general election amid claims it could be damning for Labour . But it has now been suggested the findings of the inquiry , which began in 2009 , will not be published until 2016 . Newsnight ’ s Diplomatic Editor , Mark Urban said he had been told the inquiry will be delayed until at least 2016 . Tony Blair is expected to be come under intense scrutiny for sanctioning the ill-fated invasion . The former PM has denied that he was trying to obstruct the inquiry . Earlier this year , he apeared rattled when journalists put to him David Cameron ’ s claim , that Labour had got the publication delayed . He pointed to a statement released by his office which said : ‘ It is not true to say that Tony Blair has caused the delay in the report ’ s publication ’ . Mr Blair is one of dozens who is believed to be criticised . Every one fingered has the right to respond to the dossier of evidence against them , often running to hundreds of pages . The inquiry - which stopped taking evidence in 2011 - was also set back by the death of one of its members and staff losses . The publication of the report was expected to be delayed until after the election as it is thought to be highly critical of senior political figures , including Tony Blair , but will likely not report until even later .
Sir John Chilcot 's inquiry began in 2016 , stopped taking evidence in 2011 . His report has been repeatedly delayed but was expected after election . Now source says findings may not become public until 'at least ' 2009 .