Grenfell Testimony Week

Grenfell Testimony Week was a platform for those affected by the Grenfell Tower Fire in 2017 who wished to speak about the impact it has had on them and those they care about.

The event formed part of a Settlement Agreement signed in 2023, which was the result of a civil claim brought by a large group of bereaved, survivors and residents affected by the Grenfell Tower Fire, against a group of Defendants comprised of private companies, local government bodies, central government departments, and the London Fire Brigade.

The purpose of Testimony Week was for those bereaved, survivors and residents who wished to do so to speak directly to representatives from the Defendant organisations that many of them hold responsible for the fire, as well as for some people to a wider audience. Senior representatives from all Defendants involved in the settlement of the civil claim were invited, and all Defendants except Arconic were represented at the event.

Testimony Week took place from 23 to 26 January in central London. The shape and content of the event was driven by the people participating. Forty-seven bereaved, survivors and local residents gave testimony in one form or another. This included live spoken testimony, pre-recorded contributions, written statements, and other contributions such as artworks. The event was not subject to the same restrictions as a formal legal process.

Testimony Week – and the broader civil claim settlement – was completely independent of, and had no impact upon, the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, or any decision by the Crown Prosecution Service on whether to pursue criminal charges against any individuals or organisations after publication of the Inquiry’s final report.

In those respects, the fight for justice by the bereaved, survivors and local residents continues.