London fire: Full-scale public inquiry demanded after Grenfell Tower tragedy

Theresa May faced calls to order a full-scale public inquiry into tower block safety as she visited the scene of the Grenfell Tower fire.

Labour also demanded that a minister make a statement in Parliament, condemning “paralysis in Downing Street” for hampering the Government’s response.

There was also a warning that up to one in five fire safety checks on tower blocks may be inadequate and that some assessors may not be properly qualified. As pressure grew for a public inquiry, Kensington Labour MP Emma Dent Coad said: “I would absolutely back it.”

Hammersmith Labour MP Andy Slaughter said: “A full public inquiry would seem to be a suitable route. But we also need rapid action to identify causes and risks and give assurances to those hundreds of thousands of people who live in high-rise blocks.”

A public inquiry would take evidence from the town hall, fire experts, victims and the Government — including former housing minister Gavin Barwell, who is now Mrs May’s chief-of-staff. He has faced allegations that his department failed to act swiftly enough on proposals to improve safety.

Shadow housing minister John Healey called for fire safety recommendations made in 2013, following the fatal Lakanal House blaze in Camberwell in 2009, to be implemented. These called for sprinkler systems to be installed in the highest-risk tower blocks and better advice for residents.

Sian Berry, who chairs the London Assembly’s housing committee, said a review after the Lakanal House fire found about 20 per cent of risk assessments were “inadequate” and that potentially a number of assessors were not “suitably qualified”.

Greg Hands, the new minister for London, said: “This is an ongoing incident and all parts of government will be working together along with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and the Mayor’s office.”