Labour MP calls for protection of documents relating to fire
LABOUR MP David Lammy has called on the Prime Minister and Metropolitan Police to act immediately and seize all relevant Grenfell Tower documents.
He claimed that after speaking to residents involved in the disaster, suspicion of a coverup is rising and Theresa May and investigators must ensure all pertinent documents are protected.
The MP for Tottenham said: “Within the community, trust in the authorities is falling through the floor and a suspicion of a cover-up is rising.
“The Prime Minister needs to act immediately to ensure that all evidence is protected so that everyone culpable for what happened at Grenfell Tower is held to account and feels the full force of the law.
“We need urgent action now to make sure that all records and documents relating to the refurbishment and management of Grenfell Tower are protected.”
The police have powers to seize all documents, but Section 35 of the Public Inquiry Act, which makes the destruction of any documents a criminal offence, does not apply until a chairman is appointed and the terms of reference set.
Mr Lammy added: “When the truth comes out about this tragedy we may find that there is blood on the hands of a number of organisations.
“At this stage, it is my grave concern that the families of Grenfell Tower will not get justice if documents are being quietly destroyed and shredded and emails are being deleted.”