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Grenfell Inquiry consults on how to continue during coronavirus restrictions
The public inquiry into the Grenfell Tower fire is consulting with witnesses about whether it should continue hearings during the coronavirus crisis.
In an update today, the inquiry team said it has written to core participants and witnesses setting out three options.
One scenario could see hearings suspended until the government has completely lifted social restrictions aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Option two would see hearings conducted remotely via a video conferencing platform, while option three is for hearings to resume with limited attendance once social restrictions have been partially lifted.
The inquiry was suspended “until further notice” in March as the pandemic worsened, only two weeks after it had been delayed for a month by corporate witnesses’ requests to be granted protection from prosecution on the basis of their own oral evidence.
It had recently begun phase two hearings, focusing on the refurbishment of Grenfell Tower in which it was fitted with highly flammable cladding.
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In today’s statement, the inquiry said: “The purpose of the letter is to set out the panel’s current thinking and to seek core participant views before any decision is made about which option to pursue.
“There is a fundamental balancing exercise to be carried out, by the panel, between the need to maintain momentum and further the inquiry’s work by taking oral evidence and the need to maintain the integrity and quality of that evidence as well as the physical and psychological well-being of the witnesses and other key participants.”
Participants have been asked to respond to the consultation by 27 April.
Counselling services are also being consulted on whether enough support could be provided remotely and to identify other potential issues – including the impact of the coronavirus crisis on inquiry participants and support services.
The inquiry added that its work is continuing while hearings are suspended through documents being disclosed to core participants, evidence being analysed and question plans being developed for witnesses.
As of 17 April, the inquiry had disclosed a total of 136,450 documents – including 115,698 in phase two.
The inquiry’s experts are also writing up reports for phase two.
Details on how to contact the inquiry team or support services can be found here.
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