Published: Tuesday 16 January 2024
Some of those affected by the Grenfell Tower tragedy will share the impact it has had on them and those they care about with representatives of organisations implicated in the tragedy during the upcoming Grenfell Testimony Week.
The closed event is part of a Settlement Agreement signed in 2023 following the civil claim brought by a large group of bereaved, survivors and residents, and those taking part in Testimony Week will give their evidence directly in front of some of the claim’s defendants.
Testimony Week, which runs from Tuesday 23 until Friday 26 January, has been designed by its participants and will include live and pre-recorded testimony, written statements and other contributions such as artworks.
Kensington and Chelsea Council will be represented throughout the week by Leader Cllr Elizabeth Campbell, Deputy Leader Cllr Kim Taylor-Smith and Chief Executive Maxine Holdsworth.
Kensington and Chelsea Council Leader Cllr Elizabeth Campbell said:
“Not only should I be there, but I want to be there. I would encourage anyone who has a leadership role in any of the organisations or companies involved in Grenfell to be there as well. In my own experience, it is the only way you can even try to begin to understand the pain and sense of loss that families have to this very day.
“Nearly seven years on, testimony week is important for a number of reasons – it is a chance for families to talk about loved ones, and talk about the impact the tragedy has had on their own lives and the lives of those they most care about. But it is also another chance to make sure Grenfell is never forgotten, and that real change happens, right across the public and private sector.
“As I said when the official inquiry began in 2018 with the incredibly moving pen portraits and tributes, Grenfell is a tragedy that should not have happened, and can never be allowed to happen again.”
Grenfell Testimony Week is completely independent of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, which is due to publish its report later in 2024, or any subsequent decision by the Crown Prosecution Service on whether to pursue criminal charges.
More details can be found on the event’s website.