Kensington MP Emma Dent Coad has joined the growing list of people calling for Sir Martin Moore-Bick to step down as chairman of the Grenfell Tower public inquiry .

The Labour MP made her views known to getwestlondon on Tuesday (July 4), the day after a group representing black and minority ethnic (BME) organisations and residents also challenged the appointment of Sir Martin.

The retired judge has come in for criticism after indicating his investigation would be limited to the causes of the deadly fire, why it spread so quickly and how it could be prevented in future.

The appointment of Sir Martin Moore-Bick, looking at flowers left near the tower block, has been criticised

But a source said he was willing to go further after survivors have said they would abandon the process unless the parameters were broadened to consider systemic issues, such as why residents’ concerns about fire safety were allegedly ignored by authorities.

Ms Dent Coad said members of the public had lost confidence in Sir Martin, while BMELawyers4Grenfell issued a list of demands which included his removal from the inquiry.

The umbrella action group, which incorporates leading BME lawyer groups, BME organisations, survivors, residents and supporters, was set up to help those who survived the fire or live in the area.

Kensington MP Emma Dent Coad, seen here speaking after a silent march to remember the Grenfell victims, says there is no confidence in Sir Martin

In a letter to Prime Minister Theresa May written on survivors’ behalf, BMELawyers4Grenfell list demands which include:

  • An explanation why residents were not consulted prior to Sir Martin’s appointment
  • The withdrawing of Sir Martin from the inquiry, with a High Court judge replacement “with a history of appreciating the needs of social housing in this diverse community”
  • An explanation of what consultation will take place before the terms of reference are finalised
  • A guarantee that the inquiry chair will adopt a wide terms of reference “that goes beyond the narrow one outlined”
  • Ensuring a government coordinated response team is available 24 hours a day
  • The Home Secretary confirm in writing that undocumented survivors are given full UK citizenship
  • Interim findings of the inquiry be made available to the public within four months

Ms Dent Coad, who previously spoke of the devastation caused by the fire, said members of the community were not willing to cooperate with the inquiry while Sir Martin was in charge.

She said: “We need somebody that can be trusted. The people who really matter don’t have confidence in the judge. It’s just not going to work.

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“If they’re not going to co-operate because they don’t trust him it won’t work.

“It’s discredited before it’s even begun.”

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