Grenfell inquiry ‘will provide answers’

Pledge from chairman who is heckled by survivors

The first hearing of the Grenfell Tower public inquiry concluded to a chorus of heckles after a prominent lawyer attempted to quiz the probe’s chairman.

In an opening statement, Sir Martin Moore-bick told the packed Grand Connaught Rooms in Holborn, central London, that his investigation “can and will provide answers”.

The retired Court of Appeal judge said he would not “shrink” from making findings which could affect criminal prosecutions or civil actions, during a hearing lasting more than 45 minutes.

A minute’s silence was held at the start of proceedings for the estimated 80 victims of the June 14 inferno, observed by the survivors and bereaved families in attendance.

But the controversy which has dogged the probe was not far behind, as Michael Mansfield, who represents several survivors, attempted to challenge

Sir Martin.

Discontent started brewing when the inquiry head rejected calls for residents to be included as one of his team of assessors, saying it would “risk undermining my impartiality”.

As the meeting drew to a close, Mr Mansfield QC said: “Sir, before departing, I wonder if I may make a quick request on behalf of survivors.”

He was ignored by the judge as he exited the room to shouts of “hello?” and “rubbish” from gathered residents.

Earlier, Sir Martin acknowledged the “great sense of anger and betrayal” felt by survivors of the fire and those touched by the tragedy but indicated he would endeavour to examine evidence “calmly and rationally”.

He expressed hope the inquiry would “provide a measure of solace”, adding: “The inquiry can and will provide answers to the pressing questions of how a disaster of this kind could occur in 21st Century London.”

The shape of the inquiry was also set out during the hearing, focusing first on the immediate causes of the fire and how it spread so rapidly.

Sir Martin said there was an “urgent need” to identify the flaws in the building’s design to prevent a similar high-rise blaze in future.

Picture: PA. Paul Menacer, Grenfell resident and survivor, criticises Emma Dent Coad, MP for Kensington, after the first preliminary hearing in the Grenfell Tower public inquiry in central London.