Grenfell Tower fire inquiry head backed by Government
The Justice Secretary says he is sure Sir Martin Moore-Bick will lead the probe "with impartiality and ensure justice is done.
Tuesday 4 July 2017 20:34, UK
The Government has "complete confidence" that the Grenfell inquiry head will act with "impartiality", a Cabinet minister has said.
Justice Secretary and Lord Chancellor David Lidington said he was sure retired judge Sir Martin Moore-Bick, who has come under pressure to quit, would lead the inquiry into the disaster "with impartiality and with a determination to get to the truth and see justice done".
Sir Martin has been criticised after indicating his investigation would be limited to the causes of the fire, why it spread so quickly and how it could be prevented in future.
He is now understood to be prepared to consider the "broad" causes of the blaze, amid concern from survivors' groups over its scope and leadership.
But shadow fire minister Chris Williamson and local Labour MP Emma Dent Coad - just days after being appointed.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has however not endorsed his shadow minister's call for Sir Martin to quit.
Mr Corbyn "has not called for him to go", a source said, but he has demanded a two-part inquiry looking first at the specific issues at Grenfell and then a wider examination of national issues.
At the weekend, a coordinator at Justice 4 Grenfell told Sky News the survivors would boycott the inquiry if it is not widespread enough.
Campaign group Justice 4 Grenfell claimed the whole process "must start again", while a group called BME Lawyers 4 Grenfell wrote to Prime Minister Theresa May to say her selection of Sir Martin was "astonishing".
Mr Lidington has a responsibility to defend the judiciary as Lord Chancellor.
He said: "The public inquiry into the Grenfell Tower disaster has understandably been the subject of much commentary.
"People have every right to feel passionate about this. The community - and the whole country - want answers following such a horrific tragedy.
"That is why it is right that there should be a judge-led inquiry into the disaster, and that the residents are consulted before the terms of reference are decided.
"Our judiciary is respected the world over as fair, free from improper influence, and truly independent from government and Parliament.
"As Lord Chancellor, I am clear that their motives and integrity should always be respected and not impugned by politicians.
"I have complete confidence that Sir Martin Moore-Bick will lead the inquiry into this tragedy with impartiality and with a determination to get to the truth and see justice done."
Downing Street also backed Sir Martin, with Prime Minister Theresa May's official spokesman saying he was a "highly respected, hugely experienced" former Court of Appeal judge.
The backing for Sir Martin comes as it was revealed cladding from 190 high-rise buildings in 51 local authority areas has failed combustibility tests in the wake of the fire, a 100% failure rate.
Meanwhile, NHS Improvement said buildings at three trusts in England have also failed fire safety tests: Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, North Middlesex University Hospitals NHS Trust and King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.