The conclusions of the Grenfell inquiry point in more than one direction. The path to justice lies through the courts, with police considering charges for crimes including corporate manslaughter. Warnings that trials could be years off, despite findings of dishonesty, have led to questions about public inquiries’ status as the gold standard of official investigations. Finding out the truth is important. But justice delayed is justice denied, and survivors are frustrated. The disaster and its aftermath have taken over their lives.
Public as well as private bodies were strongly criticised by the inquiry. Misconduct in public office is one of the charges being considered. But the overarching failure to regulate the construction industry, which led to combustible plastic panels being attached to high‑rise buildings, is not something for which anyone can be convicted. Deregulation, specifically lax laws about materials and fire safety, caused the deaths of 72 people. David Cameron and Eric Pickles were particularly culpable in pushing this policy. But while this can be viewed as criminal in a moral sense, it is not in a legal one.
