London Fire Brigade named in Met's evidence file on Grenfell fire
by@BBCNews
Summary
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has been named in the Metropolitan Police's evidence file regarding the Grenfell Tower fire, which claimed 72 lives in June 2017. The evidence file, part of Operation Northleigh, submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), includes potential charges such as corporate manslaughter and health and safety offences against multiple organisations and individuals. LFB's commissioner, Jonathan Smith, expressed support for the ongoing investigation and emphasized the importance of learning lessons from the tragedy. The bereaved families and survivors, represented by the group Grenfell United, have criticized the lengthy process, urging for accountability nearly nine years after the disaster.
Analysis
Jonathan Smith: Jonathan Smith serves as London Fire Commissioner, overseeing the London Fire Brigade's operations and public safety responsibilities. He has publicly welcomed the Metropolitan Police's progress in submitting the evidence file on Grenfell and emphasised the brigade's acceptance of inquiry findings alongside ongoing cooperation with authorities. Grenfell United: Grenfell United is an advocacy group formed by bereaved families and survivors of the Grenfell Tower fire. It has highlighted delays in the criminal investigation process and reiterated calls for those responsible to face justice through the courts. London Fire Brigade: The London Fire Brigade serves as the statutory fire and rescue authority for Greater London, handling emergency response, prevention, and regulatory enforcement. It has been named in the Metropolitan Police evidence file submitted to the CPS as part of Operation Northleigh, with the London fire commissioner confirming receipt of notification and pledging full cooperation in the ongoing review of possible charges. Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea: The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is the local authority responsible for housing, planning, and regulatory oversight in the area that includes Grenfell Tower. It has been identified among the organisations referred to prosecutors for potential corporate manslaughter and health and safety offences linked to the fire. Family Advocacy: Bereaved families and survivors continue to press for timely accountability following the submission of evidence files to prosecutors. Potential Charges: Prosecutors are examining a range of possible offences, including corporate manslaughter and health and safety violations, against entities connected to the Grenfell Tower fire. Investigation Update: The Metropolitan Police has completed a major phase of its long-running Operation Northleigh probe by submitting an evidence file covering multiple organisations and individuals to the Crown Prosecution Service.
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macropolitics