Grenfell Tower firms’ evidence will not be used against them

WITNESSES in the Grenfell Tower inquiry have been assured that nothing they say will be used to prosecute them over the fire.

Suella Braverman, the Attorney General, wrote to Sir Martin Moore-bick, chairman of the inquiry, to confirm that she had accepted the request from staff involved in refurbishing the highrise block with flammable materials.

Lawyers from firms including the main contractor and architects involved in revamping the 24-storey tower in west London submitted the last-minute bid for the pledge when the inquiry reopened in January, causing proceedings to be delayed.

Without the guarantee, many witnesses had threatened to stay silent by claiming the legal right of privilege against self-incrimination.

Ms Braverman’s office said she “had concluded that the undertaking is needed to enable the inquiry to continue to hear vital evidence about the circumstances and causes of the fire”.

In a statement, she added: “The undertaking will not jeopardise the police investigation or prospects of a future criminal prosecution.”

The undertaking will cover oral evidence from individual witnesses and does not mean companies or individuals cannot be prosecuted.

Grenfell United, the group for survivors and families, said: “It’s a sad day when bereaved and survivors are asked to weigh up the need for truth and need for justice,” adding: “We expect criminal prosecutions at the end of this and will not settle for anything less.”

The hearing will resume at 10am on Monday, the inquiry said.