LONDON: Theresa May has refused requests from survivors of the Grenfell Tower fire to appoint a “diverse” decision-making panel to sit alongside the head of the public inquiry.

Bereaved family members and survivors have repeatedly raised concerns about the suitability of retired judge Sir Martin Moore-Bick to lead the inquiry and delivered a petition, signed by more than 22,000 people, to Downing Street earlier this month.

Many have expressed concerns that Cambridge-educated Sir Martin, lacks first-hand experience of the complex social and cultural factors that helped shape the disaster.

Kensington MP Emma Dent-Coad has called for him to stand down.

Under the Inquiries Act 2005, only the Prime Minister can authorise a change in the probe’s format. In a letter this week, Sir Martin said it would be wrong for him to advise her either way.

May said that additional panel members should not be appointed in order for the first stage of the inquiry to be completed “as quickly as reasonably possible.”

In a letter to Sir Martin, she said she felt the probe already had “the necessary expertise to undertake its work.”

She added: “I am also very conscious of the need for the Inquiry to complete its initial report as quickly as reasonably possible. I therefore consider that additional panel members should not be appointed at this stage.”

The building, owned by Kensington and Chelsea Council, was home to people from a range of different backgrounds and relatives believe that Cambridge-educated Sir Martin may not have the life experience to understand all the issues involved.

The Independent