Dear Brother/Sister
Grenfell Tower Inquiry update Rule 13
The Grenfell Tower Inquiry issued their June 2023 update on 29th June 2023, it states:
‘Report Progress
Drafting of the Phase 2 report continues. Each chapter of the report is at a different stage of drafting, with some now nearing completion. The Chairman is required to write to those who are subject to criticism in the report under rule 13 of the Inquiry Rules and has to allow them reasonable time to respond to the criticisms made against them. That process, which is entirely confidential, has now begun.’
The Grenfell Tower Inquiry has informed the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) and other core participants that its final report is unlikely to be published until 2024. When the draft is nearly completed, the inquiry has to write to those who may be subject to criticism, explaining the basis for it. This legal process under Rule 13 of inquiries law is known as Maxwellisation. This has now begun.
Once the report is finished, it is sent to the prime minister and that “will probably not be possible before the beginning of next year”. The prime minister then decides when the report is published and by whom.
The FBU has made its own recommendations to the inquiry, along with numerous submissions. FBU head office and Thompsons Solicitors continue to monitor correspondence from the Inquiry and to evaluate the evidence produced. The Inquiry has disclosed more than 300,000 documents so far.
The Fire Brigade Union’s legal team have supported FBU members throughout the Grenfell Tower Inquiry representing members during this process in Phase 1 of the Inquiry.
No FBU members have so far alerted local or head office officials about any Rule 13 letters from the inquiry. We would ask any members who do receive such a letter to contact the officials below immediately, so that our legal team can provide the necessary advice and support.
Contact: [email protected] or gareth.beeton@fbu,org.uk
Yours in unity,
Mark Rowe
National Officer
