5th July 2017

The government has today announced an open consultation on the terms of reference to the Grenfell Tower inquiry. You can find details of how to contribute here. 

Daniel Machover, Chair of INQUEST responded saying: 

“The Government has now outlined a process which appears to be inclusive and transparent, as called for in our recent letter to the Prime Minister. INQUEST therefore welcomes this consultation which must result in broad Terms of Reference for the Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry’s remit, if it is to rebuild the confidence of bereaved families and survivors of the fire following their initial meetings with the Chair.

The Inquiry will need to include the broader social and economic context in which this tragedy occurred and the chain of responsibility. Those affected deserve nothing less. With stringent timescales for the consultation and the Inquiry, INQUEST reiterates its call to Government to provide non-means tested funding, with immediate effect, so that bereaved families, survivors and local residents affected by the fire can secure expert legal representation to enable their full participation in this process. Otherwise, families will immediately start at a disadvantage compared to the well-resourced public bodies and corporations with an interest in narrowing the Inquiry”.

INQUEST wrote a letter to Theresa May and relevant ministers on Monday 3 July. We await a response.