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

ECC Intern

Essex County Council
Up to £25959 per annum
ECC InternFixed Term, Full Time£25,959 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Wraparound Child Care - After School Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,614
Temporary Contract with Review at end of July 2027. Part time 15 hours a week- 15
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Family Hub Practitioner

Durham County Council
Grade 6 - £29,071 - £32,046 pro rata, per annum.
We are looking to recruit three Family Hub Practitioners to join our Early Help Service. There is one permanent part-time position available, along wi Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lead Practitioner

Durham County Council
£57,418 - £63,381 pay award pending
Required to start February 2027 or sooner.   An exciting opportunity has arisen at The Woodlands for a dynamic, inclusive, and highly motivated leader Ferryhill
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Head of Integrated Enforcement

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£72,468 - £88,374
Head of Integrated Enforcement... Wandsworth, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Linkedin Banner