Pop and soul sensation Adele has backed survivors of the Grenfell Tower disaster in calling for Theresa May to take urgent action to restore their faith in the inquiry.
The singer tweeted her support for a petition, which has attracted more than 10,000 signatures, calling for the appointment of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds to sit alongside Sir Martin Moore-Bick.
Currently, the retired judge is heading the investigation into the blaze, which killed 71 people , supported by a legal team, civil servants and three assessors to advise on certain matters.
But bereaved families are urging the Prime Minister to use powers under the Inquiries Act 2005 to make the probe panel-led - or risk losing the support of families and residents.
Grenfell headlines
Posting a link to the petition - said to be backed by families of around 50 victims, along with Grenfell United, an association of survivors from Grenfell Tower and nearby Grenfell Walk - Adele wrote: “Please sign this with me!
“We need your help to sign and spread the petition and encourage others to do the same.
“It’s been almost six months now, we must keep on talking about what is still not happening xx.”
In the hours after the June 14 disaster Adele made a low-key appearance at the tower block during a vigil , before popping in to meet and thank firefighters at Chelsea fire station .
In June, she also urged 95,000 fans attending her sold-out Wembley Stadium concert to dig deep in their pockets and give money to help survivors of the tragedy.
Speaking about the petition to Press Association, Adel Chaoui, who lost four relatives in the blaze, said: “It’s not about ethnicity. It’s nothing to do with whether you’re black, white, Arab, whatever - it is to do with experiences.
“(Sir Martin) is very, very good at what he does, but he does not necessarily understand us.
“At the same time, we are up against these industry bodies that are spending millions of pounds on legal resources that we are never going to get anywhere near.
“The only thing we have got is the reliance on a judge, supported by a panel that have a diversity of experience that will treat us impartially and fairly.”
He said he and others would likely not attend the inquiry, which is due to begin evidence hearings next year, unless the format is overhauled, and added: “I’m really hoping the Prime Minister sees all we’re asking for is a fair crack at justice.”
Sir Martin’s decision to appoint three assessors with backgrounds in community work was seen by many as a concession to those concerned about his suitability.
Click here to see the petition.
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