London: British Prime Minister David Cameron will postpone publication of the Iraq war inquiry report until after the European Union referendum, leading to accusations that he is deliberately delaying controversial announcements.

Senior government sources confirmed that it is likely to be published after the June 23 vote, even though it will be handed to ministers next month. Mr Cameron had previously suggested he wanted to publish the report, which is expected to heavily criticise senior political figures, within two weeks of receiving it.

Lambs to the slaugher: David Cameron has delayed publication of the Iraq war report. Credit:Getty Images

The prospect of a further delay was denounced on Friday by families who lost loved ones in the conflict.

The report of the six-year-long Chilcot inquiry has been repeatedly delayed after those criticised within it were given the right of reply, a process known as Maxwellisation.