Grenfell firms are branded inhumane for keeping silent
COMPANIES involved in the Grenfell Tower refit were yesterday accused of “inhumane” silence by trying to derail the probe into the inferno.
Several sub-contractors have refused to assist the public inquiry by saying whether changes to the building had been in breach of regulations.
Stephanie Barwise QC, representing survivors and the bereaved, said their inhumane silence was increasing families’ pain and uncertainty.
She claimed that Rydon, the main contractor, was being “disingenuous” about its involvement and was accused of putting lives at risk by failing to participate.
Ms Barwise named several other sub-contractors who worked on parts of the £10million refurbishment, which finished just a year before the blaze, including CEP, Harley and Studio E.
Expert evidence presented to the inquiry has identified the cladding as the main reason for flames shooting up the side of the 25-storey tower.
Ms Barwise said that despite their words of condolence to the victims, the companies have “no desire to assist this inquiry, even though their participation could save lives in the immediate future”. She added: “The corporate silence deprives the families of the degree of resolution and understanding to which they are entitled and has only served to increase their pain and uncertainty.
“It is inhumane to remain silent when so many seek understanding and answers – answers which are within the corporate’s gift.”
Rydon was also criticised for claiming in a statement that it was not responsible for critical related to the cladding.
The hearing was told that Rydon would have had to notify the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea “if the materials were unsuitable or hazardous or non-compliant”.
Ms Barwise said: “It is therefore disingenuous for Rydon to suggest that someone else made all the critical decisions before it became involved and it was stuck.”
During the ninth day the inquiry heard Scotland Yard had launched a criminal investigation into the fire.
The revelation raised the possibility that corporate manslaughter charges and health and safety breaches could potentially be brought after 72 residents perished in the fire last June.
Danny Friedman QC, speaking on behalf of a group of law firms representing survivors and the bereaved, said the hearing would examine how a local authority “instigated and oversaw a refurbishment of a social housing high rise tower block in such a way as to render it a death trap”.
Mr Friedman said the evacuation had been hindered by London Fire Brigade’s “stay put” policy to residents and the narrow stairwell had been crowded by over-deployment of firefighters and equipment. decisions