The Phase 2 report of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, published on 4 September 2024 (the report), continues the analysis of Phase 1, focussing on the catastrophic fire that occurred on 14 June 2017. The initial phase meticulously examined the events on the night of the fire, whereas Phase 2 aimed to unravel how a supposedly fire-resistant concrete building in 21st-century London could transform into a fatal blaze. The report highlights multiple institutional and individual failings that collectively led to this disaster. Notably, the Inquiry panel saw changes with the appointment of new members and assessors over time, ensuring a broad spectrum of expertise and perspectives in the investigation.
Phase 2 of the Inquiry followed a structured and methodical approach, similar to Phase 1, allowing for a thorough investigation. The Inquiry sat for 312 days, with hearings starting in January 2020 and experiencing interruptions due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Despite these challenges, the Inquiry utilised remote conferencing to continue its work. All evidence, witness statements, and documents were made publicly available, maintaining transparency. The Inquiry’s comprehensive approach included sending warning letters to 247 individuals and organisations, providing them an opportunity to respond to potential criticisms based on the evidence presented.
The Inquiry’s findings underscore the complexity of the Grenfell Tower disaster, attributing it to a series of errors and omissions over many years. The report acknowledges evidence of racial discrimination in the aftermath of the fire, but states that it found no evidence that racial or social prejudice influenced the decisions leading to the building’s hazardous state. The government has already implemented several regulatory changes in response to the Inquiry’s findings, but the report calls for further improvements to prevent such tragedies in the future. The Inquiry’s thorough investigation aimed to provide a detailed account for those affected by the fire, highlighting systemic issues within the construction industry that need addressing.
Read the full article by Theresa Mohammed on LexisNexis here.
