By James Simons-
The Grenfell Tower fire inquiry has been officially opened , and will be assessed ”calmly and rationally”, according to Sir Martin Moore Bick.
The retired Court of Appeal judge heading the inquiry, Sir Martin Moore-Bick said the case “will provide answers” as to how the disaster could occur in 21st Century London.
Speaking at the Grand Connaught Room in Central London, he added that he would “not shrink” away from making recommendations that could lead to civil or criminal prosecution.
After a minute’s silence was held in memory of the victims, Sir Bick openly rejected calls for a survivor to be appointed to the inquiry panel. He said to do that would “risk undermining impartiality”.
Describing the blaze that killed 80 people, the retired judge described it as a “tragedy unprecedented in modern times”.
“We are acutely aware that so many people died and that many of those who survived have been severely affected. We are also conscious that many have lost everything.
“The inquiry cannot undo any of that, but it can and will provide answers to how a disaster of this kind could happen in 21st Century London,” he added.
Acknowledging the “great sense of anger and betrayal” felt by those affected by the blaze , he said he would examine the evidence “calmly and rationally”. Sir Martin Moore-Bick also vowed not to ” shrink from making any findings or recommendations simply because someone else may consider that they form the basis of civil or criminal liability”.
TWO PHASES
Sir Bick, whose appointment was made by prime minister, Theresa May, said the inquiry would be split into two phases. The first will examine how the blaze developed, and the second will look at how the building became so exposed to the risk of a major fire. He said there was an “urgent need” to conduct phase one to find out what parts of the tower’s design and construction played a role in allowing the disaster to happen.
“That’s important because if there are similar defects in other high-rise buildings, steps must be taken quickly to ensure those who live in them are kept safe.”
The retired judge made no reference to potentially culpable organisations who ignored repeated warnings to address structural weaknesses in the tower building. However, his earlier reference to potential criminal liability may cover this area when the case actually commences. This was very much an opening speech that will lead to a preliminary hearing next April. Survivors of the fire and surviving family memmbers of the dead still have a long wait to obtaining some concrete answers.