Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
DISRESPECTFUL
Grenfell judge ignores victim’s QC as probe starts under chandeliers
EMOTIONAL Grenfell Tower survivors blasted the opening speech of the public inquiry into the disaster.
Chairman Sir Martin Moore-bick faced anger for not taking questions, while the choice of venue – the plush Grand Connaught Rooms in Central London, with its chandeliers – was branded “tasteless”.
Michael Mansfield QC, who represents several victims, branded Sir Martin “disrespectful” when he ignored his attempts to hold a preliminary meeting.
The packed room had fallen silent as the former Court of Appeal judge asked those gathered to remember the 80-plus victims who died in the blaze in June. He described the fire as a “tragedy unprecedented in modern times”.
Dozens of residents, survivors and members of the community watched a live stream in Notting Hill Methodist Church, which sits in the shadow of the burnt out high-rise in West London.
Sir Martin said he would “not shrink” from making any findings or recommendations “simply because someone else may consider that they form the basis of civil or criminal liability”.
But his refusal to include a survivor as an assessor angered many. He said: “To appoint someone as an assessor who’d had direct involvement in the fire would risk undermining my impartiality in the eyes of others who are also deeply involved in the inquiry.”
When Sir Martin had concluded his opening, Mr Mansfield said: “Sir, before departing, I wonder if I may make a quick request on behalf of survivors.” But the judge left the room to shouts of “rubbish” as he ignored the respected barrister, who has represented the Bloody Sunday and Stephen Lawrence families. Mr Mansfield said: “I feel it is disrespectful. I was making a request from survivors for another preliminary meeting... to sort out reservations they have had from the beginning about this whole process.” Survivor Paul Menacer, who took part in the charity football match for Game 4 Grenfell, said: “It was a waste of time coming here. I feel let down by the scope of the inquiry.” Barrister Peter Herbert, who is acting for some of the survivors, said the inquiry had got off to an “appalling” start, with victims believing they do not feel represented.
Emma Dent Coad, Labour MP for Kensington, called the venue “tasteless”. She added: “It was very strange to come to a ballroom with glittering chandeliers. It was quite inappropriate.”