Pressure builds on police to speed up Grenfell fire probe – and bring manslaughter charges

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Seventy-two people were killed in the Grenfell fire “There is a chain of these failures that has to be addressed – it’s not difficult to find them.” At an event organised by Grenfell Next of Kin, a campaign group supporting around half of those whose loved ones died, Mr Aghlani said only manslaughter charges would bring justice, “nothing less”. “Because it’s clearly clashed and we will not get justice because of the government’s decision to open an inquiry without our consultation.” Shah Aghlani was among relatives of Grenfell victims who said those responsible must face manslaughter charges Campaigners cited the Metropolitan Police as telling them at a previous meeting that they have “never known a public inquiry to be conducted at the same time as a criminal investigation”, with such inquiries normally taking place once criminal proceedings have concluded. This ridiculous slowness to act and dismissive attitude to marginalised communities is why the Grenfell tragedy happened in the first place.” Former Tory justice secretary Alex Chalk told LBC: “People, quite rightly want to see collars felt and people gripping the rail at Southwark Crown Court … I can’t see now why there’s any reason for delay.” Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey told The Independent: “The very least we can do to honour everyone who lost their lives is to swiftly bring those responsible for any criminality to justice. Some of the victims of the Grenfell fire “Now that the inquiry has finally concluded, the police, prosecutors and courts must be given all the resources they need to deliver justice.” Labour MP Joe Powell, whose constituency includes the ruins of Grenfell, added: “With no arrests, no charges, and not a single individual or corporation held accountable for this entirely preventable atrocity, it’s now time for the government and police to ensure that criminal prosecutions take place as soon as possible.” However, Lord Macdonald warned that even if charges are brought forward, delays in the criminal justice system could mean trials not beginning before 2029.