There will be uproar if the Government fails to publish the long-awaited Iraq inquiry in the next few weeks, a Tory former foreign minister has warned.

David Davis said it would be "inexplicable" for the Government to delay its publication until after the EU referendum.

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The Chilcot report is due to be handed to Government officials on Monday April 18, when national security checks will begin.

MPs will put pressure on ministers during a Parliament debate on Thursday to ensure the checks and preparations take no longer than two weeks.

Chairman Sir John Chilcot began work on the inquiry more than six years ago but repeated delays to its publication have caused outrage among families of soldiers killed in the war.

Responding to reports it could be pushed back until after the June 23 poll, Mr Davis, a former Conservative leadership contender, said: "That's the suspicion.

"I cannot conceive why it should be delayed for that reason - it is inexplicable.

"It's got no real relevance to Europe at all. Maybe it's the Government not wanting anything to rock the boat whilst this referendum is going on."

The Haltemprice and Howden MP, who secured the Commons debate, added: "A lot of the reason it's delayed already is haggling over what they can and can't use. If they weren't security clearing at that time, I don't quite know what they think they were doing.

"There's really no argument for it taking any more than two weeks.

"I think we'll win the battle. If not, frankly, there will be an uproar."

Labour's Paul Flynn, who is supporting the debate, said there was "no excuse" to continue the "sinful and wicked" delay.

He said: "This is an attempt to keep it outside of the referendum and the political fallout from both sides.

"I think they could publish it ahead of the referendum, but they won't.

"We all want to get things settled and to be informed and to know the truth about these events which took place, in our lifetimes.

"The delay is sinful, damaging and wicked. The debate will be a chance to get some answers from the Government."

On Wednesday John Bercow criticised the lengthy wait for the Iraq inquiry, insisting it has become "exceptionally and excessively protracted".

The Commons Speaker said MPs' dissatisfaction over the delays has been heard by "millions of people" across the country.

Responding to a point of order, he told the Commons: "I think when this issue has been aired in the House the sense of dissatisfaction across the chamber has been audible, frankly not just to the chair but to millions of people throughout the country.

"It has become exceptionally and excessively protracted."