Grenfell Tower families criticise ‘delay to justice’ caused by inquiry

The bereaved and survivors are facing a lengthy wait to find out whether any criminal charges will be brought.

Grenfell survivor Francis Dean during a press conference (Yui Mok/PA) (PA Wire)

Bereaved and survivors of the Grenfell Tower fire have criticised the “seven-year delay to justice” which they say was caused by the calling of an inquiry in the immediate aftermath of the disaster.

Then-prime minister Theresa May announced on June 15 2017 that there would be a public inquiry into the fire which had started the day before.

“No-one has asked me if I wanted this inquiry,” said Karim Khalloufi, whose sister Khadija was among the 72 who died.

Speaking at an event at the Royal Lancaster London hotel, Mr Kahlloufi said the inquiry had delayed the justice owed to him and other bereaved families.

“Maybe I will die without having justice,” he added at the briefing given by members of a group which supports the next of kin of some of those killed.

The press conference observed a minute’s silence before it began, with a number of speakers becoming visibly emotional during the event.

Mr Khalloufi’s sentiments were echoed by Hisam Choucair, who lost six family members.

He thanked the Grenfell Inquiry for its findings but said it had prevented prosecutions from being brought.

“This inquiry was forced on us,” he said, adding: “It’s delayed the justice my family deserves.”

Mr Choucair, who lost his mother, his sister and her husband, and their three daughters, said watching witnesses “laugh” while giving evidence during the inquiry “burns me inside”.

Grenfell survivor Francis Dean also criticised what he called the “seven-year delay to justice” as he and others wait for criminal prosecutions to be brought.

“Since that night I’ve not been the same person, I’m messed up,” he said.

“The government at the time promised us justice. I hope this current Government can take up the lead.”

Another victim’s relative told the event he wanted manslaughter charges to be brought, adding “nothing else will do”.

The Metropolitan Police has pledged to go through the report “line by line”, but the bereaved and survivors are facing a lengthy wait to find out whether any criminal charges will be brought.

The Crown Prosecution Service has said decisions on potential criminal prosecutions are not expected for another two years.

The Prime Minister said it is “imperative that there is full accountability” for what happened, “including through the criminal justice process, and that this happens as swiftly as possible”.