Grenfell United says news that member had been replaced was ‘snuck out before Christmas’

This article is more than 8 months old

This article is more than 8 months old

Survivors of the Grenfell Tower fire have expressed disappointment about a change to the inquiry panel that was “snuck out just before Christmas”.

The second phase of the investigation will include a panel and is set to begin early next year.

The first phase, which concluded in October, criticised the London fire brigade for not carrying out more effective rescues and reluctance to evacuate the burning building. Survivors and relatives of victims from the fire said they feel “vindicated” by the inquiry’s initial report.

After the report, Dany Cotton, the London fire commissioner in charge of the response to the Grenfell Tower fire, resigned.

The two experts initially billed to sit on a panel with the inquiry chairman, Sir Martin Moore-Bick, were Prof Nabeel Hamdi, an academic with expertise in housing, design and planning, alongside architect Thouria Istephan.

But two days before Christmas, an announcement was made that Prof Hamdi was no longer able be on the panel and would be replaced by Benita Mehra, an experienced chartered engineer.

Mehra, who has 16 years of experience working with British Airports Authority in areas including risk assessment and property management, was formerly director of strategic assets and property.

A letter from Boris Johnson requesting the replacement appointment was sent on 20 December and was announced three days later, once it received consent from the chair of the inquiry.

Grenfell United, the main group representing survivors and the bereaved, expressed anger and disappointment at the change. The group believes Hamdi was the only person on the panel with experience in the community.

Natasha Elcock, chair of Grenfell United, said: “The change of the panel, with an announcement snuck out just before Christmas, is hugely disappointing. Survivors and bereaved families campaigned for almost a year to have a panel added to the inquiry.

“We have faith that Sir Martin Moore-Bick’s background means he will be able to address the technical aspects of what happened at Grenfell but the inquiry is lacking experience of what it’s like to live in a community like ours and the culture at the heart of how people living in social housing are treated.

“We have now lost the panellist with community expertise. He has been replaced with an engineer, which is not what we asked for.”

Grenfell United members claim they have not been given an explanation for the change.

Elcock added: “With just weeks to go until phase two starts, it feels like yet again the wishes of survivors and bereaved have been sidelined. We have not yet met the panellists, we can only hope our concerns will be proved wrong when we do.”

A government spokesman said: “In May 2019 the government announced its intention to appoint Thouria Istephan and Profe Nabeel Hamdi as panel members. Sadly, ProfHamdi has since confirmed that he is unable to continue with the appointment process.

“He has now been replaced by Benita Mehra, an experienced chartered engineer with broad public and private sector experience, who will be an equally great asset to the inquiry.”