Latest news with #GrenfellTowerInquiry
South Wales Guardian
24-05-2025
- South Wales Guardian
Grenfell survivors and bereaved call for justice in Netflix documentary trailer
Grenfell: Uncovered, which launches on June 20, will aim to share the voices of those impacted by the fire as it examines the chain of events which led to the incident that left 72 people dead in 2017, when the blaze spread via combustible cladding on the west London tower block's exterior. In a trailer for the documentary, one woman can be heard saying: 'We just want justice, why did this have to happen? Why?' A man adds: 'We raised concerns with the council. We were labelled scroungers, we didn't deserve anything, so just shut up.' Elsewhere a voiceover can be heard describing the disaster as a 'huge corporate scandal', while former Conservative prime minister Theresa May remarks that 'sadly companies were able to find a way around the regulations'. Clips of the tower block ablaze are shown in the trailer while one survivor explains she was told to stay inside while the fire was taking hold despite the fact it 'was getting closer', before saying she later 'dashed for the stairwell'. Directed by Olaide Sadiq, who worked as a producer on Netflix's The Final: Attack On Wembley documentary, and produced by Rogan Productions, the documentary will also feature contributions from firefighters, politicians and industry experts. Earlier this month, the Government announced the building's demolition could begin in September, with the decision to remove the tower met with criticism from some of the bereaved and survivors, who felt their views had not been considered. The Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission has been consulting on plans for a permanent memorial in the area of the tower, with recommendations including a 'sacred space' designed to be a 'peaceful place for remembering and reflecting'. In February, it was revealed seven firms, including cladding and insulation companies, criticised in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry final report could be banned from trading, as the Government pledged to bring change in the wake of the fatal fire.
Leader Live
24-05-2025
- Leader Live
Grenfell survivors and bereaved call for justice in Netflix documentary trailer
Grenfell: Uncovered, which launches on June 20, will aim to share the voices of those impacted by the fire as it examines the chain of events which led to the incident that left 72 people dead in 2017, when the blaze spread via combustible cladding on the west London tower block's exterior. In a trailer for the documentary, one woman can be heard saying: 'We just want justice, why did this have to happen? Why?' A man adds: 'We raised concerns with the council. We were labelled scroungers, we didn't deserve anything, so just shut up.' Elsewhere a voiceover can be heard describing the disaster as a 'huge corporate scandal', while former Conservative prime minister Theresa May remarks that 'sadly companies were able to find a way around the regulations'. Clips of the tower block ablaze are shown in the trailer while one survivor explains she was told to stay inside while the fire was taking hold despite the fact it 'was getting closer', before saying she later 'dashed for the stairwell'. Directed by Olaide Sadiq, who worked as a producer on Netflix's The Final: Attack On Wembley documentary, and produced by Rogan Productions, the documentary will also feature contributions from firefighters, politicians and industry experts. Earlier this month, the Government announced the building's demolition could begin in September, with the decision to remove the tower met with criticism from some of the bereaved and survivors, who felt their views had not been considered. The Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission has been consulting on plans for a permanent memorial in the area of the tower, with recommendations including a 'sacred space' designed to be a 'peaceful place for remembering and reflecting'. In February, it was revealed seven firms, including cladding and insulation companies, criticised in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry final report could be banned from trading, as the Government pledged to bring change in the wake of the fatal fire.
Wales Online
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Grenfell survivors and bereaved call for justice in Netflix documentary trailer
Grenfell survivors and bereaved call for justice in Netflix documentary trailer Grenfell: Uncovered, which launches on June 20, will aim to share the voices of those impacted by the fire as it examines the chain of events which led to the incident that left 72 people dead in 2017 Earlier this month, the Government announced the demolition of Grenfell could begin in September (Image: Jordan Pettitt/PA ) Grenfell Tower survivors and the bereaved can be heard calling for justice while one person claims victims were treated like "scroungers" who "didn't deserve anything" in a trailer for a new Netflix documentary about the disaster. Grenfell: Uncovered, which launches on June 20, will aim to share the voices of those impacted by the fire as it examines the chain of events which led to the incident that left 72 people dead in 2017, when the blaze spread via combustible cladding on the west London tower block's exterior. In a trailer for the documentary, one woman can be heard saying: "We just want justice, why did this have to happen? Why?" A man adds: "We raised concerns with the council. We were labelled scroungers, we didn't deserve anything, so just shut up." Elsewhere a voiceover can be heard describing the disaster as a "huge corporate scandal", while former Conservative prime minister Theresa May remarks that "sadly companies were able to find a way around the regulations". Article continues below Clips of the tower block ablaze are shown in the trailer while one survivor explains she was told to stay inside while the fire was taking hold despite the fact it "was getting closer", before saying she later "dashed for the stairwell". Directed by Olaide Sadiq, who worked as a producer on Netflix's The Final: Attack On Wembley documentary, and produced by Rogan Productions, the documentary will also feature contributions from firefighters, politicians and industry experts. Earlier this month, the Government announced the building's demolition could begin in September, with the decision to remove the tower met with criticism from some of the bereaved and survivors, who felt their views had not been considered. Article continues below The Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission has been consulting on plans for a permanent memorial in the area of the tower, with recommendations including a "sacred space" designed to be a "peaceful place for remembering and reflecting". In February, it was revealed seven firms, including cladding and insulation companies, criticised in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry final report could be banned from trading, as the Government pledged to bring change in the wake of the fatal fire.
Scottish Sun
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Troubled Sheku Bayoh public inquiry drafts in UK's top expert amid fears it could collapse
The public inquiry guru has previously represented clients in the Shipman Inquiry, the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and the Post Office Horizon IT inquiry NEW APPOINTMENT Troubled Sheku Bayoh public inquiry drafts in UK's top expert amid fears it could collapse Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MAJOR probe into the death of a man in police custody has drafted in the UK's leading public inquiry expert amid fears it could collapse. Jason Beer KC was confirmed as new senior counsel of the troubled Sheku Bayoh Inquiry on Tuesday. Sign up for the Politics newsletter Sign up 3 Jason Beer KC was confirmed as new senior counsel of the public inquiry Credit: PA 3 Sheku Bayoh's family along with lawyer Aamer Anwar Credit: Alan MacGregor Ewing His appointment could send costs of the £24million inquiry spiralling further despite Police Scotland agreeing to a secret settlement with Mr Bayoh's family. It is understood Mr Beer will lead the work around the hearings which will examine whether Lord Bracadale's conduct during the inquiry has been fair. These will take place on June 12 and 13, the Inquiry website states. A source close to the inquiry said: 'It seems Lord Bracadale and the Scottish Government now realise there is a major problem regarding the allegations of a lack of fairness, and that Mr Beer's appointment is a last-ditch attempt to keep the ship on course. 'There is also the question of Mr Beer's fees, which will only add to the current cost to taxpayers of nearly £24million.' The London lawyer is already working for counter-terrorism police as part of the inquiry into the Southport terror attack and as the main lawyer for NHS England in the inquiry into how Lucy Letby was allowed to murder seven babies at the Countess of Chester Hospital. The public inquiry guru has previously represented clients in the Shipman Inquiry into the murders by serial killer doc Harold Shipman, the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, and was the lead lawyer for the Post Office Horizon IT inquiry into wrongly prosecuted subpostmasters. The Sheku Bayoh Inquiry was launched after Mr Bayoh died in Kirkcaldy, Fife, in 2015 after being restrained by six officers. Chair of the inquiry Lord Bracadale is considering whether to step down after the Scottish Police Federation, which represents rank and file officers, raised concerns over his impartiality. SPF general secretary David Kennedy said in April: 'We have lost confidence in the inquiry and consider it necessary to petition for judicial review.' He is set to seek opinions at a hearing in June and if the judge quits, a significant delay in issuing the inquiry's findings is expected. Bayoh family lawyer Aamer Anwar branded the move by the SPF 'beneath contempt'. Cops insisted the out-of court settlement struck with Mr Bayoh's relatives represented 'best value' - but refused to say how much had been paid out. A spokeswoman for the Inquiry said: 'The Inquiry is delighted to welcome Jason Beer KC to the team. Mr Beer has a wealth of valuable experience across public inquiries and we look forward to working with him in the weeks to come.' Scottish Conservative shadow justice secretary Liam Kerr MSP said: 'Huge amounts of taxpayers' money have already been spent on this inquiry and this latest appointment will clearly add further expense. 'Given the extreme pressures on public finances the SNP need to come clean about what is truly happening with the Sheku Bayoh inquiry and guarantee answers will be delivered for all involved.' The Scottish Government have been contacted for comment.
Powys County Times
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Powys County Times
Expert warns against quick-fix online fire safety training years after Grenfell
The chairwoman of a group reviewing building control in England in the wake of the Grenfell Tower blaze has vowed she is determined to bring about a 'culture change', as she warned against 'dubious' online training courses on fire safety. Dame Judith Hackitt criticised 'quick fixes' which she said will not work towards rebuilding public confidence in an industry which has been heavily criticised since Grenfell, and urged businesses to see proper training as an investment rather than a cost. She will chair the first formal meeting of the Building Control Independent Panel this month, set up to look at whether changes are needed to the current system across England. The Grenfell Tower Inquiry found an issue with building control bodies tending to co-operate with companies who wanted their proposals to be approved, instead of enforcing building regulations 'rigorously'. The inquiry recommended an independent panel look at whether it is in the public interest for building control functions to be performed by those with a commercial interest in the process, or whether all such functions should be carried out by a national authority. The panel is due to present a report to the Government in autumn and Dame Judith suggested it will be as 'hard-hitting' as her 2018 one. That report identified 'deep flaws' within the building regulations system, as she argued ignorance and indifference had created a 'race to the bottom', where there was a desire to do things 'as quickly and cheaply as possible rather than to deliver quality homes which are safe for people to live in'. Asked what might be expected from her report this year, Dame Judith told the PA news agency: 'I think my track record speaks for itself, doesn't it? I'm unlikely to change my approach. 'I was honest and hard-hitting in my report seven years ago. I've continued to keep the pressure on government and on industry for the last seven years. I see no reason to change. 'I am determined to drive through this culture change that is needed across the whole of the built environment.' Next month will see bereaved and survivors mark eight years since the fire in west London in June 2017, which resulted in 72 people losing their lives. Asked what her message is to the many who say they have still not seen justice delivered or enough wholesale change in the system so many years on, Dame Judith said: 'I share their frustration that it's taking so long, but that's no reason to give up. 'We will get there. We will drive this change. We owe it to the people who lost their lives to do that.' Dame Judith said she is 'absolutely confident that things are better now than they were in 2017' after building control came under the Building Safety Regulator which launched in 2023. She added: 'We have moved from where we were. Is that enough? Is there more we need to do? 'I'm not going to speculate until we have looked at the evidence, but we will do that at pace, and we will deliver our report before the end of the year.' Dame Judith urged 'more people to take personal responsibility and leadership in different parts of this built environment sector' after recently visiting a fire door safety centre which she praised for its efforts. She said businesses must understand that proper training is essential as 'money spent on cheap training and substandard training is money wasted'. Dame Judith added: 'Spending it on this sort of training is an investment in your people. It's not a cost.' She praised Fire Door Maintenance Training and Development, which describes itself as the largest such practical training centre in the UK, saying she saw a 'real sense of purpose' in the people training there. Dame Judith said that despite the sector-wide knowledge of the need for thorough training in aspects such as ensuring fire doors are properly maintained, the take-up of such training has been 'very mixed, very variable, and some of the training courses that have sprung up, I think, are of dubious quality to say the least, particularly online ones'. She referenced one-hour online video training which might promise someone competency once they had completed it but added: 'That's not the case.' Dame Judith added: 'Let's be clear, there's a place for online training and familiarisation. 'But to get people to the level of competence that they need to be on things that are safety critical, like fire doors, that practical training with someone assessing whether you are doing the job properly and are competent to do the job properly, is crucial. 'We're trying to rebuild public confidence here in an industry, and quick fixes aren't going to do it. 'You know, a quick training session online in many cases, is just not enough.' She highlighted Fire Door Maintenance as 'what good looks like' in an industry where many others have been slow to act and change. Nicola John, managing director at the firm which sees people training in realistic settings with doors and corridors, said they wanted to offer a 'practical training facility for practical people doing a practical job' in contrast to online courses alone.
