What's happened
The Grenfell Tower inquiry's final report has been published, but police indicate that criminal charges may not be brought until late 2026, with trials potentially starting in 2029. Survivors and families express frustration over the inquiry's impact on justice, fearing it complicates potential manslaughter prosecutions.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Andy Gregory in The Independent, bereaved families are frustrated that the inquiry's structure may complicate criminal prosecutions, with Kimia Zabihyan stating, "Your decision only hours after the fire... had massive consequences on our pursuit of our justice." Meanwhile, Haroon Siddique from The Guardian reports on the House of Lords committee's call for reforms, emphasizing that inquiries should not be seen as a way to "kick a problem into the long grass." The BBC highlights that the Grenfell inquiry cost £173 million and took nearly seven years, raising concerns about the effectiveness of such lengthy processes. These contrasting perspectives illustrate the ongoing debate about the efficacy and impact of public inquiries in the UK.
How we got here
The Grenfell Tower fire in June 2017 resulted in 72 deaths, prompting a public inquiry. The inquiry's findings were released this month, but the concurrent criminal investigation has raised concerns about delays in justice for victims' families.
Common question
-
What are the latest updates on the Grenfell Tower inquiry?
The Grenfell Tower inquiry has been a focal point of public interest since the tragic fire in June 2017. With the final report recently published, many are left wondering about the implications for justice, the survivors, and the future of criminal prosecutions. Here are some key questions and answers regarding the inquiry's findings and its impact.
-
What are the consequences of delayed justice in the Grenfell Tower inquiry?
The Grenfell Tower fire tragedy in 2017 led to a lengthy public inquiry, but the delays in criminal prosecutions have raised significant concerns. Survivors and families of the victims are frustrated, fearing that the inquiry's structure complicates their pursuit of justice. This situation prompts further questions about the implications of such delays on public trust and future inquiries.
More on these topics
-
On 14 June 2017, a fire broke out in the 24-storey Grenfell Tower block of flats in North Kensington, West London, at 00:54 BST; it caused 72 deaths, including those of two victims who later died in hospital.
-
The House of Lords, also known as the House of Peers and domestically usually referred to simply as the Lords, is the upper house of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. Membership is granted by appointment or by heredity or official function. Like the H