This update provides a digest of:

• Inquiry operations during social restrictions
• Contact information
• Disclosure figures
• Core participant numbers

Inquiry operations during social restrictions

"In the light of the Prime Minister’s statement this afternoon the Panel has decided that the Inquiry should hold no further hearings for the time being. To do so, even on the basis of limited attendance, would be to expose those whose presence is essential for that purpose, not to mention those whom we wish to call as witnesses, to an unacceptable risk of infection. It would also send the wrong signal to the world at large at a time when everyone is being urged to cooperate with measures designed to minimise the effect of the virus.

The Inquiry wrote to Core Participants yesterday inviting their views on how hearings should proceed in response to the rapidly evolving situation of  COVID-19.

The Inquiry learned late last night that panel member Thouria Istephan is unwell and will be unable to attend the hearing today. Some of her symptoms are similar to those of COVID-19 but it is too early to know whether she has contracted the virus.

Any vulnerable individuals or those with concerns about COVID-19 should feel free not to attend hearings in person and instead follow proceedings remotely on the livestream.

Following recent Public Health England (PHE) advice, the Inquiry has published the following guidelines regarding advice about COVID-19 (Coronavirus) for those attending hearings. The guide can be found on the Venue page of the website, or click here.

February Update

This update provides a digest of:

The Attorney General has written to the Chairman of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry notifying him of her decision to provide an undertaking in the terms set out in her letter. You can read the letter here.

The letter from the Attorney General's Office to the Inquiry, along with the Inquiry's response, can be found under the Correspondence tab on the Documents page.

The Inquiry has received an indication that the Attorney General will aim to make a decision regarding the undertaking in the week commencing 24 February 2020.

The Inquiry hopes therefore to be able to resume on 2 March 2020. The Inquiry will provide an updated timetable once it has been finalised.

The Inquiry has received a letter from the Prime Minister stating his intention to appoint an additional Panel Member.

The letter, along with the Inquiry's response, can be found under the Correspondence tab on the Documents page.