Inquiry team urged to let lawyers ask questions in the Grenfell inquiry

Concerns have been raised that lawyers representing bereaved families, survivors and residents in the inquiry of the Grenfell Tower fire last year have so far not been allowed to ask questions in person on behalf of their client's. 

 

Campaigners from Grenfell United, Justice4Grenfell, and Relative Justice Humanity for Grenfell, have asked the inquiry team to allow lawyers representing the families to be able to ask questions in person as and when they need to. 

 

They say that a letter was sent last week saying, 'They are keen that where it becomes appropriate for lawyers to put questions directly, this is allowed. Not allowing this will again raise the issue of effective participation and trust in the process risks further diminishing.'

 

The letter also raises disclosure concerns. The groups say: 'Justice can only be achieved by transparency and proper disclosure. There are notorious examples of where a failure of disclosure has resulted in miscarriages of justice. Full disclosure enables lawyers representing the bereaved, survivors and residents to raise proper questions of witnesses and facilitates a collaborative inquiry where those most affected can effectively participate. Full disclosure also helps allay unjustified rumours and suspicions and aids the efficiency of the process.'

 

According to a chair's statement issued earlier this month, since the start of 'phase 1' hearings 'there has been substantial further disclosure of documents and photographs to the inquiry by the [London Fire Brigade] via the Metropolitan Police, and that the police have disclosed further firefighter statements and exhibits. The new material has had to be considered by the inquiry team and disclosed to CPS and then put to witnesses where necessary. This has increased the time taken to examine witnesses, and in some cases has made it necessary to call further witnesses'.

 

Deborah Coles, director of campaign group Inquest, said: 'Many of the bereaved, survivors and residents of Grenfell feel that there is a disconnection between them and the inquiry process. This needs to be rectified. Effective participation can be aided by moving the inquiry to a more suitable local venue and ensuring full disclosure of all relevant material before the inquiry resumes.

 

'We have stated from the outset that those most affected must be at the heart of proceedings. Meaningful engagement will enable the inquiry to get to the truth and will ensure legitimacy of this process.'

 

If you require confidential legal advice on a similar matter, please contact our specialist solicitors on 0800 810 1010