Grenfell judge gives families an extension

THE judge presiding over the Grenfell Tower fire inquiry has bowed to pressure from campaigners to extend the consultation period for the families involved.

Survivors of the disaster are to be given more time to make their case about which issues the forthcoming public inquiry should consider.

A consultation period on the probe’s terms of reference will be extended by two weeks until July 28, a spokesman for the inquiry confirmed.

It had been hoped the scope of the investigation would be determined before the parliamentary recess on July 20.

Those touched by the tragedy have expressed concern that the inquiry, led by retired judge Sir Martin Moore-bick, would not be broad enough.

Sir Martin has faced calls to resign with criticism from campaigners and survivors that the remit of the inquiry may be too narrow. An inquiry spokesman said: “Sir Martin Moore-bick, as chair of the Grenfell Tower public inquiry, and his team have held discussions with many interested parties, in particular survivors of the fire and other residents of the Lancaster West Estate.

“It has become clear from these that there is a broad consensus that those affected need more than the one week originally envisaged for the inquiry’s consultation on its terms of reference.

“We are therefore extending the consultation period until 28 July, an extension of two weeks.”

It came as 29-year-old Berkti Haftom was officially identified as a victim of last month’s inferno.

In a statement, her family said: “Berkti was a generous, caring, loving mother, partner, sister, auntie and friend and she will be missed by us all forever.”