Grenfell families seek justice after May"s inquiry decision

Relatives of the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire, which occurred on June 14, 2017, are expressing their frustration over Theresa May's decision to initiate a public inquiry just a day after the tragedy. This inquiry, they believe, has significantly delayed the criminal investigations and potential prosecutions of those responsible for the fire that claimed 72 lives. The police have indicated that they will need to review the inquiry's findings thoroughly, pushing back any charges until late 2026 and trials until 2029. The group Grenfell Next of Kin, representing the immediate relatives of 34 victims, has formally requested clarification from Baroness May regarding the advice she received before calling for the inquiry. They argue that her decision, made without visiting the site, has complicated their pursuit of justice and could hinder the possibility of manslaughter charges. The families are particularly concerned that the inquiry's findings may provide defenses for those implicated. Despite initial assurances from government ministers that the inquiry would not interfere with the police investigation, the bereaved families feel misled. They highlight that the inquiry has allowed organizations and individuals to present their defenses in a non-judicial setting, which may undermine the criminal case. Calls for reform of the public inquiry system have emerged, emphasizing the need for better decision-making at the outset to ensure that victims and survivors are adequately involved and that justice is expedited. The complexities of the case, involving numerous parties, make it challenging to establish accountability and secure convictions.