No charges to be made over Grenfell for at least two years
MANY survivors of the Grenfell Tower tragedy who lost loved ones in the disaster still feel like their lives are in limbo.
Those feelings were reinforced last week when police announced they will not bring any charges against any organisations which might be held to blame for the blaze, for at least another two years.
The Met Police is investigating whether any corporate manslaughter charges could be brought against Kensington and Chelsea Council and the tenant management organisation which looked after Grenfell Tower, following the fire in June 2017 which claimed 72 lives.
On Wednesday February 6, however, lead investigator, Detective Superintendent Matt Bonner, said the investigation has to consider any evidence raised at the Grenfell Tower Inquiry which is unlikely to resume until the end of this year.
The inquiry will publish a report after the end of its phase two hearings.
The Met said this meant it was unlikely to submit its investigation files until “the latter part” of 2021.
Natasha Elcock, who chairs the Grenfell United community campaign group, said: “Justice for us means accountability and change.
“We are living in a limbo with no individuals or organisations being accountable and it is so painful for all of us who lost loved ones and our homes that night. “We wait month after month, our lives are on hold, for some kind of justice and progress.” She said families and survivors face an unbearable wait. “It is extremely frustrating and disheartening to now be told this will be our way of life for years to come.” DS Bonner said: “While the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and the police investigation are inde- pendent of each other, our timelines are inextricably linked.
“For our investigation to be considered thorough and complete, it must consider all relevant information and it would be wrong not to take into account evidence given to the public inquiry and its final report and findings.”
London Mayor Sadiq Khan told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme he understood how frustrating the delays were for the bereaved and survivors of the tragedy.
On February 27, the police held the first of a series of community drop-in sessions in north Kensington for residents to meet some of the investigations team.
Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation said it would not be commenting on the Met’s announcement.
We wait month after month, our lives are on hold, for some kind of justice and progress