Grenfell Inquiry a ‘seven-year delay to justice’, bereaved and survivors say

Bereaved and survivors of the Grenfell Tower fire have criticised the calling of an inquiry, describing it as a “seven-year delay to justice”.

Their comments come on the day the report into the disaster was published.

It delivered a damning verdict on the failures of government, building companies, contractors, fire safety experts and council staff that led to the deadly blaze seven years ago.

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Karim Khalloufi, whose sister Khadija was among the 72 who died, said: “No one has asked me if I wanted this inquiry.”

Speaking at a briefing given by members of a group which supports the next of kin of some of those killed, Mr Kahlloufi said the inquiry had delayed the justice owed to him and other bereaved families.

“Maybe I will die without having justice,” he added.

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Then prime minister Theresa May announced on 15 June 2017 there would be a public inquiry into the fire which had started the day before.

However, many agree with Mr Kahlloufi that the inquiry delayed potential criminal proceedings.

Hisam Choucair, who lost six family members, said: “This inquiry was forced on us.

“It’s delayed the justice my family deserves.”

Mr Choucair, who lost his mother, his sister and her husband, and their three daughters, said watching witnesses “laugh” while giving evidence during the inquiry “burns me inside”.

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Grenfell survivor Francis Dean also criticised what he called the “seven-year delay to justice” as he and others wait for criminal prosecutions to be brought.

“Since that night I’ve not been the same person, I’m messed up,” he said.

“The government at the time promised us justice. I hope this current government can take up the lead.”

Another victim’s relative told the event he wanted manslaughter charges to be brought, adding “nothing else will do”.

The Metropolitan Police has pledged to go through the report “line by line”, but the bereaved and survivors are facing a lengthy wait to find out whether any criminal charges will be brought.

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The Crown Prosecution Service has said decisions on potential criminal prosecutions are not expected for another two years.

The prime minister said it is “imperative that there is full accountability” for what happened, “including through the criminal justice process, and that this happens as swiftly as possible”.

Sir Martin Moore-Bick, the chair of the inquiry, said: “The simple truth is that the deaths that occurred were all avoidable, and those who lived in the tower were badly failed over a number of years and in a number of different ways by those who were responsible for ensuring the safety of the building and its occupants.”

The UK Tonight With Sarah-Jane Mee will have a special programme on the Grenfell Tower report at 8pm on Sky News