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

Independent Living Officer

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£26,403 - £28,142
Our employees are at the very heart of the services we provide to the community Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Catering Assistant

North Yorkshire Council
£13.28 per hour
We have an opportunity to join our award-winning Facilities Management catering team York, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Cleaner and Caretaker

North Yorkshire Council
£13.28 - £13.47 per hour
Are you looking for a part time cleaning role? York, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Cleaner and Caretaker

North Yorkshire Council
£13.28 - £13.47 per hour
Are you looking for a part time cleaning role? York, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Team Leaders

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £32,597 - £36,363
Team Leaders – Opportunities are available across the County Durham Area   Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner