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Grenfell inquiry: safety tests on cladding called into question – live updates Grenfell inquiry: safety tests on cladding called into question – live updates
(35 minutes later)
Survivors, mourners and their supporters at the Grenfell inquiry have expressed their disquiet at plans to transplant proceedings from the conference centre in south Kensington to offices in Holborn once tributes to the victims are completed.
Attendees at the hearing on Wednesday said that the first phase of the inquiry, in which tributes to all the victims are being given, were troubling for survivors and mourners, who had to repeat the trauma of the fire last June.
It was judged a necessary step to impress on members of the inquiry panel and its chair, Benedict Moore-Bridger, the human disaster of Grenfell “but we have already lived through it,” said one.
After the first phase of the inquiry, at the Millennium Gloucester hotel, is complete, the proceedings will move to offices in Holborn, which is judged to be a more convenient location for the lawyers and experts who are to dominate the second half.
As the inquiry paused for a lunch break, attendees huddled in groups around the hotel conference centre discussing the proceedings and what was to come next. Professor Chris Imafidon, who said he had tutored children who lost parents in the fire, said:
They say they are doing us a favour by coming here. We have to make the survivors who came out of that hellhole the core consideration in everything we do. If we don’t we are less than humans. I know these people - I have written references for them.
They say this is just for this period because it’s better in Holborn for all the lawyers and all the judges that are there; they said they can’t find a convenient place here. Everything that’s perceived to be the needs of the survivors, the first thing they say no. That insensitivity, that arrogance! That they know everything and we know nothing because we’re poor.
Yvette Williams, who was also among those visiting on Wednesday, said she was concerned about who would be chosen as “additional panel members” to the inquiry board, additions that the community had fought for. In a recent blog on the Justice4Grenfell website, she wrote:
It has not been made clear if the two additional members will have equal decision-making powers to Judge Moore-Bick; how they will be selected; if there will be any community consultation or if they will be forced upon us, based on the civil servant’s perception of what they ‘think’ we want.
Let me be clear here, we need panel members who understand our lived experience and can challenge key factors that adversely impact communities like North Kensington. This means panel members will have to probe and challenge the Judge in a wider context and not accept government legislation and public policy as ‘normal’, as part of the accepted status quo.
For the record it does not solely mean that both panel members have to ‘look like us’. Yes, it would give more community confidence in the Inquiry, but it is not intrinsic to having the expertise we need. To put this in plain English - it is vital that the PM and inquiry team does not select panel members who look like us but ‘act’ like them.
The government is “minded” to ban flammable cladding on high-rise buildings in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire, Theresa May has said.
The prime minister told MPs she intended to go further than the government-commissioned review authored by Dame Judith Hackitt, which did not recommend a ban.
Here is a summary of developments so far on day three of the inquiry:Here is a summary of developments so far on day three of the inquiry:
The manufacturer of the combustible insulation on Grenfell Tower has announced it is urgently investigating whether samples used for safety tests had added fire retardant in them. BBC’s Panorama alleged that Celotex used a different formula of the product, with more fire retardant in it that that which was used on Grenfell, when they ran tests on it to generate a safety certificate.The manufacturer of the combustible insulation on Grenfell Tower has announced it is urgently investigating whether samples used for safety tests had added fire retardant in them. BBC’s Panorama alleged that Celotex used a different formula of the product, with more fire retardant in it that that which was used on Grenfell, when they ran tests on it to generate a safety certificate.
Inquiry staff have handed out a “trigger sheet” warning about some content within video tributes for Grenfell tower victims due to be played today. It comes after some 20 survivors walked out yesterday and one woman collapsed in distress after viewing footage of the tower on fire.Inquiry staff have handed out a “trigger sheet” warning about some content within video tributes for Grenfell tower victims due to be played today. It comes after some 20 survivors walked out yesterday and one woman collapsed in distress after viewing footage of the tower on fire.
In a video tribute to Rania Ibrahim, 31, and her children Fethia, 5, and Hania, 3, the inquiry heard she would be remembered for her “smile and selflessness”. The video ended with highly emotional footage of Fethia saying: “I want to hug and kiss you.”In a video tribute to Rania Ibrahim, 31, and her children Fethia, 5, and Hania, 3, the inquiry heard she would be remembered for her “smile and selflessness”. The video ended with highly emotional footage of Fethia saying: “I want to hug and kiss you.”
Tony Disson, 65, was described by his family as someone who would do anything for his sons, coaching them at different sports. One son Charlie, said: “He weren’t [sic] one of the richest people in the world but he was rich with love.”Tony Disson, 65, was described by his family as someone who would do anything for his sons, coaching them at different sports. One son Charlie, said: “He weren’t [sic] one of the richest people in the world but he was rich with love.”
Zainab Deen, 32, was remembered by her family as “beautiful, smart, warm, caring”. She died with her two-year-old son Jeremiah, who was described as “loving, full of life”.Zainab Deen, 32, was remembered by her family as “beautiful, smart, warm, caring”. She died with her two-year-old son Jeremiah, who was described as “loving, full of life”.
Ali Yawar Jafari, 82, was described as a family man and his widow said he was the “love of my life”. He loved animals and his widow and daughter fondly remembered when he persisted in catching a pigeon so he could free it from string tangled around its legs.Ali Yawar Jafari, 82, was described as a family man and his widow said he was the “love of my life”. He loved animals and his widow and daughter fondly remembered when he persisted in catching a pigeon so he could free it from string tangled around its legs.
One thing that is striking about the Grenfell victims is how many had come to Britain either seeking opportunity or safety: more than half of the adult victims fall into this category.One thing that is striking about the Grenfell victims is how many had come to Britain either seeking opportunity or safety: more than half of the adult victims fall into this category.
With Zainab Deen, we are not sure: her childhood was spent in war-torn Freetown in Sierra Leone, but we don’t know why her father brought her to the UK in the early 2000s: the worst excesses of the conflict were over by that point. And yet as her father Zainu Deen said, she always wanted to travel.With Zainab Deen, we are not sure: her childhood was spent in war-torn Freetown in Sierra Leone, but we don’t know why her father brought her to the UK in the early 2000s: the worst excesses of the conflict were over by that point. And yet as her father Zainu Deen said, she always wanted to travel.
Ali Yawar Jafari meanwhile was one of two men who escaped Afghanistan in the 1990s only to die in Grenfell tower two decades later. We heard from the family of Mohamed ‘Saber’ Neda on Monday, and again here again we get the impression of a family patriarch, much loved, much missed, setting the tone and values for his children to live by.Ali Yawar Jafari meanwhile was one of two men who escaped Afghanistan in the 1990s only to die in Grenfell tower two decades later. We heard from the family of Mohamed ‘Saber’ Neda on Monday, and again here again we get the impression of a family patriarch, much loved, much missed, setting the tone and values for his children to live by.
We know he was originally a jeweller in Afghanistan, but struggled to learn English after moving here in 1999 at the age of 61. Instead, when he wasn’t helping out at his friend’s Afghan shop in Portobello market, he took to life as a grandfather, happy to get up early in the morning to play cars with his grandson.We know he was originally a jeweller in Afghanistan, but struggled to learn English after moving here in 1999 at the age of 61. Instead, when he wasn’t helping out at his friend’s Afghan shop in Portobello market, he took to life as a grandfather, happy to get up early in the morning to play cars with his grandson.
Ali Yawar Jafari’s daughter Maria says in the video says that her father was knocking on neighbours’ doors trying to rouse them on the night of the fire.Ali Yawar Jafari’s daughter Maria says in the video says that her father was knocking on neighbours’ doors trying to rouse them on the night of the fire.
His son Hamid says:His son Hamid says:
He was most happy when he used to see his whole family coming together... The happiest moment he had was when my son was born ...I can still smell my dad on my son.He was most happy when he used to see his whole family coming together... The happiest moment he had was when my son was born ...I can still smell my dad on my son.
There is applause after the conclusion of the film and then Hamid says some more words. As with so many of the tributes we have already heard, it is heartbreaking.There is applause after the conclusion of the film and then Hamid says some more words. As with so many of the tributes we have already heard, it is heartbreaking.
Hamid says he never previously dreamt of going to heaven before but now he prays every day that he can join his father there.Hamid says he never previously dreamt of going to heaven before but now he prays every day that he can join his father there.
I request my friends to pray that I die soon to join my father.I request my friends to pray that I die soon to join my father.
Addressing his late father, he says:Addressing his late father, he says:
I am really sorry that I can’t bring any smile back to my mother’s face or my two sisters’.I am really sorry that I can’t bring any smile back to my mother’s face or my two sisters’.
The inquiry chair, Martin Moore-Bick, tells Hamid that his father would have been proud of him.The inquiry chair, Martin Moore-Bick, tells Hamid that his father would have been proud of him.
He adjourns proceedings for lunch until 2pm.He adjourns proceedings for lunch until 2pm.
Now are tributes to Ali Yawar Jafari, 82, who lived in flat 86. A video is introduced by his daughter Maria, who says: “We miss our father very much.” She says they cannot show any photographs because they were all destroyed in the fire.Now are tributes to Ali Yawar Jafari, 82, who lived in flat 86. A video is introduced by his daughter Maria, who says: “We miss our father very much.” She says they cannot show any photographs because they were all destroyed in the fire.
In the video, his widow tells how they came from Afghanistan, describing him as “The love of my life.”In the video, his widow tells how they came from Afghanistan, describing him as “The love of my life.”
She says her husband loved animals and travelling, they went to Iran and Germany.She says her husband loved animals and travelling, they went to Iran and Germany.
She tells a lovely story about how he insisted on catching a pigeon so he could untie string that its legs had become tangled in. He explained to his wife that the pigeon was a “prisoner” and he wanted to set it free.She tells a lovely story about how he insisted on catching a pigeon so he could untie string that its legs had become tangled in. He explained to his wife that the pigeon was a “prisoner” and he wanted to set it free.
Now is the tribute to Zainab’s two-year-old son Jeremiah Deen:Now is the tribute to Zainab’s two-year-old son Jeremiah Deen:
He was loved by all and was very overprotected by his mother who loved him very much...He was loving, full of life, liked playing football ...exploring and adventuring.He was loved by all and was very overprotected by his mother who loved him very much...He was loving, full of life, liked playing football ...exploring and adventuring.
Most of all we are happy that you are with your mother Zainab who loved ...and adored you ...She will keep you safe now as she protected you in life ...Even death can’t separate you both. Our hearts break, we love and miss you Jeremiah. Sleep grandson, take your rest, love grandson.Most of all we are happy that you are with your mother Zainab who loved ...and adored you ...She will keep you safe now as she protected you in life ...Even death can’t separate you both. Our hearts break, we love and miss you Jeremiah. Sleep grandson, take your rest, love grandson.
Mansfield reads:Mansfield reads:
We never thought we would be thinking of Zainab Deen as a memory like we are today...We never thought we would be thinking of Zainab Deen as a memory like we are today...
Zainab had it all. She was beautiful, smart, warm, caring and a confident and outgoing young woman. She had a lively personality and her great sense of humour was enjoyed by all who came across her ...Her untimely death has left us heartbroken.Zainab had it all. She was beautiful, smart, warm, caring and a confident and outgoing young woman. She had a lively personality and her great sense of humour was enjoyed by all who came across her ...Her untimely death has left us heartbroken.
We are so proud to be able to call you our daughter. We are grateful for the brief time we were able to spend with you and believe that the angels are rejoicing because one of their loved ones has rejoined them.We are so proud to be able to call you our daughter. We are grateful for the brief time we were able to spend with you and believe that the angels are rejoicing because one of their loved ones has rejoined them.
The inquiry has resumed after a break and there will now commence tributes to Zainab Deen, 32 originally from Sierra Leone, and her two-year-old son Jeremiah, who were in flat 115.The inquiry has resumed after a break and there will now commence tributes to Zainab Deen, 32 originally from Sierra Leone, and her two-year-old son Jeremiah, who were in flat 115.
The tribute is from Zainab’s father and Jeremiah’s grandfather Zainu Deen but is being read on his behalf by Michael Mansfield QC.The tribute is from Zainab’s father and Jeremiah’s grandfather Zainu Deen but is being read on his behalf by Michael Mansfield QC.
Zainu Deen is on the stage along with other members of the familyZainu Deen is on the stage along with other members of the family
Meanwhile, the home secretary, Sajid Javid, has thanked the police for their handling of the Grenfell fire. In his keynote speech to the Police Federation conference in Birmingham, Javid said:Meanwhile, the home secretary, Sajid Javid, has thanked the police for their handling of the Grenfell fire. In his keynote speech to the Police Federation conference in Birmingham, Javid said:
From physically taking on violent criminals, to breaking bad news to bereaved families.From physically taking on violent criminals, to breaking bad news to bereaved families.
You are there. From handling tragedies like Grenfell, to providing security and peace of mind at celebrations like the Royal Wedding. You are there.You are there. From handling tragedies like Grenfell, to providing security and peace of mind at celebrations like the Royal Wedding. You are there.
“From physically taking on violent criminals, to breaking bad news to bereaved families.You are there.From handling tragedies like Grenfell, to providing security and peace of mind at celebrations like the Royal Wedding. You are there”, @sajidjavid tells #polfed18 delegates“From physically taking on violent criminals, to breaking bad news to bereaved families.You are there.From handling tragedies like Grenfell, to providing security and peace of mind at celebrations like the Royal Wedding. You are there”, @sajidjavid tells #polfed18 delegates
Tony Disson’s eulogy from his son Lee reads like a chapter from a bygone era: father and son outings to the football, camping trips, holidays at the chalet on the Isle of Sheppey. His children from his second marriage reinforce the impression: this was a man who lived for his boys, loved watching them box, took great pride in their achievements, an old-style family man.Tony Disson’s eulogy from his son Lee reads like a chapter from a bygone era: father and son outings to the football, camping trips, holidays at the chalet on the Isle of Sheppey. His children from his second marriage reinforce the impression: this was a man who lived for his boys, loved watching them box, took great pride in their achievements, an old-style family man.
This is something we have heard repeatedly about the fathers of Grenfell tower. Hard working manual workers most of them, who did what they did to get their children everything they needed. As Tony’s son Charlie said, he wasn’t a rich man but he was generous with his love.This is something we have heard repeatedly about the fathers of Grenfell tower. Hard working manual workers most of them, who did what they did to get their children everything they needed. As Tony’s son Charlie said, he wasn’t a rich man but he was generous with his love.
The manufacturer of the combustible insulation on Grenfell Tower has announced it is urgently investigating whether samples which were used for safety tests had added fire retardant in them.Celotex, which made the synthetic foam insulation fitted in the 2016 refurbishment, said it was “investigating this allegation via all avenues as a matter of urgency”.Combustibility tests in laboratories are relied on by architects and builders to ensure buildings meet fire safety regulations. But on Monday night, BBC’s Panorama alleged that the company used a different formula of the product, with more fire retardant in it that that which was used on Grenfell, when they ran tests on it to generate a safety certificate.The manufacturer of the combustible insulation on Grenfell Tower has announced it is urgently investigating whether samples which were used for safety tests had added fire retardant in them.Celotex, which made the synthetic foam insulation fitted in the 2016 refurbishment, said it was “investigating this allegation via all avenues as a matter of urgency”.Combustibility tests in laboratories are relied on by architects and builders to ensure buildings meet fire safety regulations. But on Monday night, BBC’s Panorama alleged that the company used a different formula of the product, with more fire retardant in it that that which was used on Grenfell, when they ran tests on it to generate a safety certificate.
Celotex declined to comment immediately after the programme was broadcast, but responded on Wednesday morning saying that “Prior to Panorama raising this, we were unaware of this allegation and had not identified anything which would support it.”It has not denied the allegation and said that in tests since the Grenfell disaster which claimed 72 lives last June, it had not used any special formulation.It said:Celotex declined to comment immediately after the programme was broadcast, but responded on Wednesday morning saying that “Prior to Panorama raising this, we were unaware of this allegation and had not identified anything which would support it.”It has not denied the allegation and said that in tests since the Grenfell disaster which claimed 72 lives last June, it had not used any special formulation.It said:
Celotex has not used any special formulation for the recent successful BS-8414 system test in May 2018 or Class 0 fire testing. It is very hard to understand the Panorama allegation alongside those tests.Celotex has not used any special formulation for the recent successful BS-8414 system test in May 2018 or Class 0 fire testing. It is very hard to understand the Panorama allegation alongside those tests.
BS8414 is a test in which the product is integrated into a full system with rainscreen panels and fixings and set alight. The Class 0 rating relates to a smaller scale test to assess the propensity of fire to spread across the product.BS8414 is a test in which the product is integrated into a full system with rainscreen panels and fixings and set alight. The Class 0 rating relates to a smaller scale test to assess the propensity of fire to spread across the product.
Matt Wrack, the general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, described the claim that a different formular was tested as “beyond shocking” and called for the police to investigate. He said:Matt Wrack, the general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, described the claim that a different formular was tested as “beyond shocking” and called for the police to investigate. He said:
We must look at how a lax regulatory system created an environment where the Grenfell Tower disaster was allowed to happen. As this investigation proves the current regime of regulation and testing of materials used in the construction industry has been shown to be a complete and utter failure.We must look at how a lax regulatory system created an environment where the Grenfell Tower disaster was allowed to happen. As this investigation proves the current regime of regulation and testing of materials used in the construction industry has been shown to be a complete and utter failure.
Celotex said:Celotex said:
The current management of Celotex are absolutely determined to do the right thing. That means cooperating fully with the inquiry and other official investigations, and sharing with them all relevant material. We will continue to provide updates as appropriate. As the first anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire approaches, we continue to express our deepest sympathies to the families of all those who lost their lives in the fire and to everyone who was and remains affected by it.The current management of Celotex are absolutely determined to do the right thing. That means cooperating fully with the inquiry and other official investigations, and sharing with them all relevant material. We will continue to provide updates as appropriate. As the first anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire approaches, we continue to express our deepest sympathies to the families of all those who lost their lives in the fire and to everyone who was and remains affected by it.
Celotex said it is co-operating with the police investigation into the fire and the Grenfell Tower public inquiry which is likely to begin examining how materials were selected for the building no earlier than November.Celotex said it is co-operating with the police investigation into the fire and the Grenfell Tower public inquiry which is likely to begin examining how materials were selected for the building no earlier than November.
A video tribute is shown featuring Cordelia Disson, Tony’s second wife, and their three children, Charlie, Alfie and Harriboy. Cordelia says:A video tribute is shown featuring Cordelia Disson, Tony’s second wife, and their three children, Charlie, Alfie and Harriboy. Cordelia says:
Tony was a good dad, he was a brilliant husband and a wonderful grandad...Tony will always be my first love, he will always be my last love.Tony was a good dad, he was a brilliant husband and a wonderful grandad...Tony will always be my first love, he will always be my last love.
His sons recall how he would do everything for them and would train them all at the boxing club.His sons recall how he would do everything for them and would train them all at the boxing club.
Cordelia says:Cordelia says:
They loved doing it and he used to watch them love doing it because that was their passion ...Tony was so proud of them, you couldn’t get a prouder dad.They loved doing it and he used to watch them love doing it because that was their passion ...Tony was so proud of them, you couldn’t get a prouder dad.
Charlie says:Charlie says:
He weren’t [sic] one of the richest people in the world but he was rich with love.He weren’t [sic] one of the richest people in the world but he was rich with love.
Applause follows the tributes with the chair Sir Martin Moore-Bick describing it as a “great, great” video which really gives a sense of the man.Applause follows the tributes with the chair Sir Martin Moore-Bick describing it as a “great, great” video which really gives a sense of the man.
There will now be a break until 11.45am.There will now be a break until 11.45am.
The end of Lee Disson’s testimony about his father Tony is heartbreaking as he explains how for some reason they drifted apart. There was no rift but they just didn’t have the same relationship as previously.The end of Lee Disson’s testimony about his father Tony is heartbreaking as he explains how for some reason they drifted apart. There was no rift but they just didn’t have the same relationship as previously.
I always assumed that we would work through whatever it was and that it would be how it used to be ...I never once thought we wouldn’t get the chance to make it right.I always assumed that we would work through whatever it was and that it would be how it used to be ...I never once thought we wouldn’t get the chance to make it right.
Lee’s statement, read by Michael Mansfield, concludes:Lee’s statement, read by Michael Mansfield, concludes:
The fun and the laughter is something nothing can take away from me. I love you dad. Rest in eternal peace.The fun and the laughter is something nothing can take away from me. I love you dad. Rest in eternal peace.
We hear through Michael Mansfield about how Tony Disson bought his son a horse which escaped and then bought Lee a Shetland pony so as not to disappoint him.We hear through Michael Mansfield about how Tony Disson bought his son a horse which escaped and then bought Lee a Shetland pony so as not to disappoint him.
Lee recalls that he was always doing things with his father. He also taught him how to fish, a hobby of Tony that he passed to his son.Lee recalls that he was always doing things with his father. He also taught him how to fish, a hobby of Tony that he passed to his son.
In school holidays, there was always something my dad and I would do. To me, our life then, was perfect.In school holidays, there was always something my dad and I would do. To me, our life then, was perfect.
Tony Disson later divorced Lee’s mother and had three sons with his second wife, Cordelia Disson. He was very pleased to moved into his flat in Grenfell because it was in the area where he grew up, his son says.Tony Disson later divorced Lee’s mother and had three sons with his second wife, Cordelia Disson. He was very pleased to moved into his flat in Grenfell because it was in the area where he grew up, his son says.
Lee moved to Peterborough but came down to see his half-brothers box, Tony Disson was a coach at the Dale Youth Boxing Academy, which was at the foot of Grenfell Tower.Lee moved to Peterborough but came down to see his half-brothers box, Tony Disson was a coach at the Dale Youth Boxing Academy, which was at the foot of Grenfell Tower.
Michael Mansfield QC is reading a commemoration by Lee Disson about his father Tony (Anthony) Disson because Lee felt unable to read it himself.Michael Mansfield QC is reading a commemoration by Lee Disson about his father Tony (Anthony) Disson because Lee felt unable to read it himself.
Tony was born into a close knit family in Notting Hill. He met Lee’s mother in 1967, they began dating the following year and Lee was born in 1970. Tony was not permitted to be in the delivery room but was waiting at the hospital when Lee was born.Tony was born into a close knit family in Notting Hill. He met Lee’s mother in 1967, they began dating the following year and Lee was born in 1970. Tony was not permitted to be in the delivery room but was waiting at the hospital when Lee was born.
Lee was a member of Brunswick Boys Club and his father was a coach there.Lee was a member of Brunswick Boys Club and his father was a coach there.
I was with him [dad] wherever he went. I don’t remember ever missing an event that was taking place.I was with him [dad] wherever he went. I don’t remember ever missing an event that was taking place.
This included various sports and camping trips.This included various sports and camping trips.
One of the most emotional moments of the #GrenfellInquiry so far when the sweet, innocent voice of 4 year old Fethia Hassan is played over the speakers. She was blowing kisses to her cousins. She sounded so full of love and light.One of the most emotional moments of the #GrenfellInquiry so far when the sweet, innocent voice of 4 year old Fethia Hassan is played over the speakers. She was blowing kisses to her cousins. She sounded so full of love and light.
A recording of 5 yr old Fethia Hassan is played where she tells her family she loves them. “I want to hug and kiss you”A recording of 5 yr old Fethia Hassan is played where she tells her family she loves them. “I want to hug and kiss you”
A fascinating and terribly moving insight into the love and solidarity within a large Egyptian family - and particularly the mutual support that the female members gave each other.Ruth Michaelson discovered very strong bonds between Rania Ibrahim and her siblings when she wrote for the Guardian about the Egyptian woman who died aged 31.A fascinating and terribly moving insight into the love and solidarity within a large Egyptian family - and particularly the mutual support that the female members gave each other.Ruth Michaelson discovered very strong bonds between Rania Ibrahim and her siblings when she wrote for the Guardian about the Egyptian woman who died aged 31.
But we didn’t know that Rania was effectively raised by her oldest sister Sayeda - and that she returned that devotion by coming to London when Sayeda fell ill, and helped her sibling raise her four young children.But we didn’t know that Rania was effectively raised by her oldest sister Sayeda - and that she returned that devotion by coming to London when Sayeda fell ill, and helped her sibling raise her four young children.
It is striking how tightly these two lives were interwoven, with their children closer than most cousins I know. And extraordinarily poignant that, as Sayeda says, she was present at Rania’s birth, at the moments Rania gave birth, and then at her funeral too.It is striking how tightly these two lives were interwoven, with their children closer than most cousins I know. And extraordinarily poignant that, as Sayeda says, she was present at Rania’s birth, at the moments Rania gave birth, and then at her funeral too.