Scotland Yard has announced it will seek criminal charges against 77 companies and individuals in connection with the Grenfell Tower fire, which killed 72 people in June 2017. The police investigation, led by Detective Chief Superintendent Garry Moncrieff, has gathered what he described as 'strong evidence' of potential wrongdoing. Files will be submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) later this year for charging decisions.
The CPS expects to make decisions by June 2027, the 10th anniversary of the disaster. However, any trials are unlikely to begin before 2028, meaning justice could take over a decade. Offences under consideration include corporate manslaughter, gross negligence manslaughter, fraud, and health and safety violations. Misconduct in public office is also being considered, though police declined to specify if this involves political figures.
The police investigation has cost £150 million so far, and a £2 million replica of the tower will be built to help jurors understand the scene. The delay has angered survivors and bereaved families. Grenfell United stated: 'Those responsible must now be held to account. Our community cannot be expected to endure years more of delay.' Grenfell Next of Kin added: 'There is a complete breakdown in trust and confidence.'
The public inquiry into the disaster, led by retired judge Martin Moore-Bick, concluded in 2024, finding widespread failures in construction, regulation, and government. Moore-Bick said: 'The simple truth is the deaths that occurred were all avoidable.' The Met Police waited for the inquiry's final report before finalising its evidence, a decision criticised by bereaved families who believe criminal accountability should have been prioritised.
