Anger as Grenfell Tower families are refused a ‘diverse panel’ at inquiry

♦ Families of the Grenfell Tower fire victims are said to be “heartbroken” that Theresa May has denied requests for a “diverse panel” to sit alongside the official inquiry.

Adel Chaoui, who lost four relatives in the fire, started a 22,000 signature petition delivered to Downing Street earlier this month, calling for an independent panel amid doubts over the suitability of the inquiry head, Sir Martin Moore-bick. It is feared the retired Court of Appeal judge lacks first-hand experience of the complex cultural factors underlying the tragedy.

Only the Prime Minister can authorise a change in the inquiry’s format, but in a letter to Sir Martin on Friday she said additional panel members should not be appointed.

Mr Chaoui said the decision to break the news ahead of Christmas – difficult enough with the absence of loved ones – raised “serious questions about judgment and intent”.

He said: “It seems to have been timed deliberately, on the last working day for most law firms, to limit the time available for us to take legal advice and/or challenge the decision.”

Mr Chaoui said they had 14 days to formally request a judicial review.

An inquiry spokesman said: “The chairman has noted the Prime Minister’s decision. The inquiry is continuing its work to produce an interim report as soon as is possible.”