Former government officials called to give evidence at Grenfell Inquiry

As reported by Inside Housing on 3rd June, Gavin Barwell, former housing minister has been summoned to give evidence at the Grenfell Inquiry. Barwell has been called upon to appear in the autumn to account for decisions taken in the years leading up to the disaster.

Also summoned is Conservative Peer Eric Pickles, Sir Ken Knight and Brian Martin - all former or current senior characters in decision-making around fire safety. Cross-examination is likely to cover issues raised in the Lakanal House fire inquest, and the coroners recommendations.

Inside Housing reported in 2019 that questions have been raised since the tragedy at Grenfell as to whether lessons from previous fires such as Lakanal House were learned and swift appropriate action taken to avoid another fatal tower block fire.