FBU says Grenfell Inquiry is too limited

Andy Dark, assistant general secretary of the FBU, said: “We are appalled that the inquiry into the worst fire in generations is to be handicapped by such narrow terms of reference that won’t, for example, look at government policy on social housing.  The inquiry will be unable to address important issues that will help protect people across the UK.   

“It is reckless that it won’t investigate the preparedness of fire services outside London to respond to a Grenfell type fire. At its height, this fire was attended by at least 70 fire engines, known to fire service personnel as pumping appliances, from the London Fire Brigade. The second biggest fire and rescue service in England, the West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service, only has 41 in total.

“The best tribute we can pay to the people who lost their lives is to make sure that a fire like Grenfell never happens again. Clearly, the government has missed a chance to do right by the victims and investigate every aspect of the disaster.”

But head of policy and public affairs at the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) welcomed the scope of the Inquiry, he said: “It’s vital that this inquiry into the Grenfell Tower fire becomes a watershed for fire safety and helps prevent future such tragedies.

“Agreeing these terms of reference will help ensure key areas of weakness are examined and enable the chair to make the necessary recommendations to improve both current and future fire risk management.”