We’re sorry says architect boss behind Grenfell refurbishment
A DIRECTOR of the architecture firm behind the refurbishment of Grenfell Tower apologised for the 2017 tragedy yesterday, telling the bereaved and survivors: “It shouldn’t have happened.”
Andrzej Kuszell, from Studio E, told victims he was “really, really sorry” when he gave evidence to the inquiry into the disaster.
It is currently looking into how the 24-storey tower in west London came to be covered in flammable cladding during its refurbishment between 2012 and 2016.
A blaze at the north Kensington block killed 72 people.
At the end of his questioning, Mr Kuszell said: “Hindsight now comes into play…doubtless absolutely every one of us would wish to turn the clock back.
“I have to say that if we had understood that building regulations were not robust... this is so sad to say but I don’t think this tragedy would have happened, and it really cracks me up, because it shouldn’t have happened.
“It really shouldn’t have of briefings against him and accused her of bullying.
Raising the resignation in the Commons yesterday, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: “These are just the latest in a series of allegations that suggest an unacceptable pattern of behaviour.”
However, Tory backbenchers rallied in support of Ms Patel.
Former minister Robert Halfon said: “My constituents in Harlow want fair immigration, fairness to the taxpayer and 20,000 more police on our streets. Does this not have the nasty whiff of an establishment trying to stop these policies?”
Tory MP Alicia Kearns, formerly a civil servant, said: “On the day of the EU referendum result I was told by senior civil servants it was the wrong decision. Is it not right that ministers need to be robust with civil servants to make sure the people’s priorities are delivered?”
Former Cabinet minister Owen Paterson said: “Her real offence is that she’s upset the establishment.” happened, and I’m really, really sorry for all of you.”
Mr Kuszell told the hearings that the managing architect on the tower’s refurbishment, Bruce Sounes, had no experience of overcladding residential blocks.
Studio E was involved in the regeneration of neighbouring Kensington Academy and
Leisure Centre (KALC), and later Grenfell Tower itself.
Mr Sounes began his evidence late on Monday, and told the hearing: “If a project comes along and there is no reason not to do it, you do it.”
Yesterday’s hearing was the first time the inquiry has sat since last week’s decision by Attorney General Suella Braverman to guarantee some witnesses will not be prosecuted on the basis of what they say at the inquiry.
It does not cover any documents submitted to the inquiry, and does not stop witness evidence being used against corporations in future.
Protesters against the move had briefly delayed the hearing as Mr Kuszell began to give evidence.
Shouts of “it’s a disgrace”, and “What’s the point?” were heard.The inquiry continues.