The inquiry into the Grenfell Tower fire has been paused because attendees would be at "unacceptable risk" from coronavirus.
The Grenfell Tower Inquiry has been suspended following new guidance from the UK government asking people to work from home and avoid offices, pubs, restaurants and theatres, and unnecessary travel.
"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," said chairman inquiry Martin Moore-Bick.
Continuing would "send the wrong signal"
The decision was made to ensure the safety of those attending the enquiry. A member of the inquiry panel, health and safety expert Thouria Istephan, has been taken ill with suspected coronavirus. Istephan is an architect at London studio Foster + Partners. "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," added Moore-Bick.
"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."
Panel may not be able to continue digitally
Moore-Bick added that the panel would consider whether they could "resume hearings using electronic means", but warned that it even then it may not be possible for the...