Laura Sharman 07 February 2020

Councils slam Grenfell's witnesses' immunity request

Councils would be unlikely to use products from any company that fails to cooperate fully with the Grenfell Tower inquiry, the Local Government Association (LGA) has warned.

This week the inquiry forwarded the request to grant witnesses immunity from having any evidence they give being used against them in future prosecutions to the Attorney General.

The LGA said it was ‘extremely’ concerned about the request as all those involved have a duty to fully participate in the inquiry and tell the unedited truth,.

Lord Porter, building safety spokesman for the LGA, said: 'We are concerned that either granting this request or, if it is denied, any subsequent refusal by witnesses to answer the Inquiry’s questions, will frustrate justice and hamper attempts to learn the lessons of Grenfell - lessons which are all the more urgent given the large number of buildings still covered in dangerous cladding and the subsequent blanket of fear that remains imposed on those who live in them.

'The LGA urges the Attorney General to do everything in his power to ensure the truth comes out in a manner that guarantees those who have a criminal case to answer face justice and does not jeopardise civil litigation against those responsible for rendering buildings unsafe.'

Lord Porter added: 'It would be hard to imagine that in the future any council would allow the use of any products manufactured by any company who did not cooperate fully with the inquiry.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

CCTV Support Officer

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Salary From £32,841-£39,796 Depending on Skills
Job Title
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

FM Electrical Engineer

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£32,841 - £49,365 per annum
Job Title
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Occupational Therapist - Adult Social Care

Essex County Council
£38487 - £51834 per annum
Register your interest here to be notified of upcoming Occupational Therapist opportunities within Essex County Council's Adult Social Care services. England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Visitor Services Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £35,412 - £39,152 (pro rata)
We are looking for a Visitor Services Officer to lead the day-to-day operation of Bowlees Visitor Centre, supporting visitors to discover and enjoy th Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Senior Multimedia Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 10 £38,220 - £41,771
Senior Multimedia Officer (Oracle Fusion Communications)   Temporary 12-month opportunity   We are looking for an experienced and creative Senior Mult Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner