Boris Johnson slammed for decision that’s a ‘slap in the face’ to Grenfell victims

Boris Johnson and Grenfell Tower


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Boris Johnson has faced widespread criticism for a decision described as a “slap in the face” to the victims of the horrific Grenfell Tower disaster, which killed 72 people in June 2017.

On 16 January, the Guardian revealed that:

Boris Johnson appointed a key figure to the Grenfell Tower inquiry who has links to the company which made the cladding blamed for accelerating the fatal fire

Johnson chose Benita Mehra, who previously headed “an organisation that received a £71,000 grant from the charitable arm of Arconic, the US conglomerate that made the aluminium composite cladding panels used on Grenfell”. As the Guardian continued, the Grenfell inquiry:

has already found that Arconic’s polyethelyne-filled panels were “the principal reason why the flames spread so rapidly up the building”.

“Unacceptable”

Grenfell United called Johnson’s decision “outrageous”. The Labour Party also had scathing comments:

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Deborah Coles from justice charity Inquest, meanwhile, said:

Any perception of bias at a time when there needs to be the most searching scrutiny of Arconic undermines trust and confidence. Yet again, the inquiry process is found wanting and it is those most affected left fighting for an inquiry that can deliver truth and accountability.

Johnson now says he’ll look into the decision:

Others, however, seem to have little faith that Johnson will genuinely deal with the issues at play:

The struggle continues

The inquiry into the Grenfell disaster has already faced widespread criticism. And Johnson’s highly controversial choice is not doing anything to increase people’s confidence in the process.

Grenfell victims and their families deserve justice. But they’re currently not getting any. We must all stand alongside them in solidarity as their struggle continues.

Featured image via Guardian News and Loz Pycock/Flickr

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  • Show Comments

    1. Boris Johnson slammed for decision that’s a ‘slap in the face’ to Grenfell victims
      ///////////////
      Boris, I see your looking after the rich out of this country’s Money problem here in this article WHY?
      //
      Question + Points to Tory Govt + Boris.
      Boris plus doggy job for Mr. Benita Mehra my input.
      P-1
      Did this main rich broad member of this firm back your Dec G.E. 2019 with Tory party funding Boris and as part of the deal you must employ this doggy already proven person not to give a toss about Grenfell fire victims.
      P-2
      I ask you Boris will any of our local area fund be cut you promised us in over area of the country in Dec G.E. if we free -voters-voted for you back in power will Tory Govt cut our fund to pay the wages + expenses of this Doggy person involved in the death of British residents Boris yes or no? the death by way of bad cladding fitted Boris.
      Q-1
      How friendly is Mr. Benita Mehra with your right-hand man in Govt? that is pulling your strings Boris dose,
      Mr. Mehra have information on your right-hand man that could put his job at risk, so you gave him a public paid job to silence him form letting the true out Boris?
      Q-2
      Or dose this person hold vital information on Tory Govt minister involved in the fitting of the bad cladding that killed so many people so you give him the job to shut him up is this true Tory Minister + Boris yes or no?
      Q-3
      What public cash taxpayer’s money (in wages) will you be paying this doggy person, Possibly becoming a Tory Govt party members who also could claim back in expenses al sort of cash amounts as a Govt paid member like the rest of Tory party member claim back of us taxpayer now Boris what is he paid every month?

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