French help police probe into Grenfell firm bosses
FRENCH authorities are working with British police to “reveal the truth” of the circumstances surrounding the Grenfell Tower fire.
Three executives who work for a subsidiary of Arconic, the company behind the cladding, live in France and have so far declined to give evidence to the public inquiry into the inferno which claimed 72 lives.
Lawyers for the businessmen have cited an obscure French law that bans people revealing commercial information at foreign legal proceedings.
They are said to have potentially crucial evidence about the safety of panels used to refurbish the exterior of the west London tower block.
Yesterday, it was reported how Scotland Yard officers are liaising with the French authorities to try and get the men to attend. A source said the co- operation was “proving very useful in revealing the truth”.
Campaigners for the bereaved and survivors of the 2017 fire say evidence from the executives is vital, as the cladding is a major factor in why the fire spread so swiftly.
Arconic said it has fully co- operated with the authorities and public inquiry. However, it cannot force current or former staff to give evidence in London. Two British- based employees of Arconic are due at the inquiry next month. The three potential witnesses in France have turned down requests to appear, citing a 1968 French “blocking statute”, which prevents company data being shared in legal proceedings outside France.
They say they fear they could be prosecuted if they talk.
Karim Mussilhy, vice chairman of the Grenfell United campaign group, said: “These people are key players and we can’t allow them to hide and not turn up to the inquiry.” Mr Mussilhy, whose uncle died in the inferno, said: “Thousands of people are living in homes with the material that caused this fire. They must come here in the interests of public safety and tell the truth.” Richard Millett, QC, lead counsel to the inquiry, said: “There are very sound reasons for thinking their risk of prosecution very low.” The UK Government said: “The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is working closely with the French government on the issue of attendance of witnesses.”