Criticism of Grenfell Tower Inquiry

The bereaved and survivors of the Grenfell Tower fire have voiced their frustration with the calling of an inquiry, labeling it as a “seven-year delay to justice”. The report recently published highlighted the multitude of failures by government officials, building companies, contractors, fire safety experts, and council staff that ultimately led to the tragic blaze seven years ago.

Karim Khalloufi, who lost his sister Khadija in the fire, expressed his disappointment by stating, “No one has asked me if I wanted this inquiry.” He emphasized that the inquiry has only prolonged the justice owed to him and other bereaved families. Hisam Choucair, another individual who lost six family members in the fire, echoed a similar sentiment by saying, “This inquiry was forced on us,” as he emphasized the delay in achieving the justice his family deserves.

Grenfell survivor Francis Dean shared his emotional turmoil following the tragic event, stating, “Since that night I’ve not been the same person, I’m messed up.” He criticized the “seven-year delay to justice” and expressed hope that the current government would prioritize seeking justice for the victims. Another victim’s relative demanded manslaughter charges to be brought, emphasizing that nothing else would suffice.

Despite the Metropolitan Police committing to scrutinize the report meticulously, bereaved families and survivors are faced with a prolonged wait to determine if any criminal charges will be filed. The Crown Prosecution Service indicated that decisions on potential criminal prosecutions are not likely to be reached for another two years. The prime minister stressed the importance of full accountability for the incident, including through the criminal justice system, and urged for swift action.

The criticism surrounding the Grenfell Tower fire inquiry highlights the frustration and impatience of bereaved families and survivors awaiting justice. The delayed process and uncertainty regarding potential criminal prosecutions continue to exacerbate their emotional distress and fuel calls for swifter accountability. It is imperative for authorities to prioritize the concerns and needs of those affected by the tragic event and expedite the legal proceedings to deliver justice and closure.