Dear Brother/Sister
Grenfell: information and advice for members
The Grenfell Tower fire on 14 June 2017 should never have happened. It must be a turning point for public safety and for the fire and rescue service. The FBU is campaigning to ensure the issues which arise are addressed in full. This requires a full, detailed and open process to the various investigations and inquiries.
The questions and answers below have been put together by FBU officials nationally and in London with the assistance of our legal advisors. Pleased draw them to the attention of affected members:
Q. What does the FBU want?
A. The FBU is aiming to:
- Protect and defend our members
- Get justice for the victims and survivors
- Identify what happened before, during and after the fire
- Examine in detail public policy on fire and rescue and fire safety in the context of the Grenfell disaster
- Hold those in power to account – especially central government
Q. What is the FBU doing?
A. The FBU is involved in a wide range of activities in the aftermath of the fire:
- The public inquiry chaired by Martin Moore-Bick
- The police investigation
- The FBU health and safety investigation
- The London Fire Brigade (LFB) investigation
- The building regulations inquiry chaired by Judith Hackett
- Engaging with the Labour Party and the wider labour movement
- Supporting local residents
Q. What is happening with the police investigation into the Grenfell Tower fire?
A. The police investigation is underway and they have already begun interviewing many people, including firefighters. We expect many more interviews in the coming months, so the union is preparing members for the process.
Q. What advice is the FBU giving members?
A. The FBU is advising members to cooperate fully with the investigation and to tell the truth about what you know. For justice to be done and for the necessary changes to be made, the whole unvarnished truth must be told.
Q. Can members be accompanied by an FBU rep at the interviews?
A. Yes, we strongly advise members to attend with an FBU rep. The union’s job is to protect our members and having an experienced rep alongside will provide vital reassurance. The LFB and the police have agreed members can have an FBU rep with them. Once you are told of the date, time and venue for your police interview, please contact your branch rep or other FBU official straightaway so that we can arrange for a rep to be at the interview with you. The FBU officials responsible at a regional level are Steve White [email protected] and Gareth Beeton [email protected]
Q. What if members are worried about the police interview?
A. The interview process is hard, but necessary. It is vital to know the truth about what happened, for those directly affected and to make sure this can never happen again. The FBU will provide full support for members at the interviews and afterwards as necessary. The FBU has unique experience in such matters in the UK fire and rescue service.
Q. Can I have a transcript of my interview?
A. It is a good idea to ask for the transcript at the interview, although the police will not automatically provide it immediately afterwards. Your FBU rep will write notes, so there will be a record.
Q. Can I ask for a break during the interviews?
A. Yes, you are entitled to a break if needed.
Q. Could I be interviewed more than once?
A. The police have assured us that they will try to have just one interview but they may seek to interview some people on a number of occasions.
Q. What if I feel stressed after the interviews?
A. You should report this to your line manager in the LFB and your FBU rep, just as you should in any case of ill-health. FBU reps will ensure you receive the support you need.
Q. What will happen to my testimony?
A. The evidence collected will be fed into the police investigation, the public inquiry and the LFB’s own investigation. The FBU will play a part in all of these.
Q. What is the FBU doing in the public inquiry?
A. The FBU will participate as fully as possible in the public inquiry. The union has already begun making submissions of evidence and has been granted “core participant” status. We have already raised concerns about the terms of reference, which are too narrow. We want senior politicians held to account and the whole fire and rescue service scrutinised, so improvements can be made.
Q. What has happened in past inquiries and investigations?
A. The Fennell inquiry after the Kings Cross fire in 1987 led to some significant changes, including improvements to firefighters’ personal protective equipment. But other inquiries have been less successful and some have been negative. After four Warwickshire FBU members were killed in 2007, the police tried (and failed) to prosecute three other FBU members who attended the incident.
Q. What else can I do about the Grenfell tower fire?
A. The FBU is campaigning on a wide variety of fronts to make sure politicians keep Grenfell at the forefront of their minds. FBU members should raise the issues with their local MP, councillors and take part in the union’s campaigning work.
Q. What are we doing to support local residents?
A. Many FBU members have been to the local community to show solidarity. The FBU is working with and helping local campaigns like Justice for Grenfell. We are committed to getting justice for all those affected.
Q. Who should I contact at the FBU?
A. Speak to your branch rep, or to officials at our London regional office:
John Horner Mews, Off Frome St, Islington, London, N1 8PB
Telephone: 020 7359 3638
Or email:
Or
There is no avoiding the fact that this will be a long, painful and difficult process for all those involved. Please contact your local officials or the London officials mentioned above if you require further information or assistance.
Best wishes.
Yours fraternally
Matt Wrack
General Secretary
MW/sll
