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John McDonnell accused of risking any trials over Grenfell Tower fire by describing it as murder

John McDonnell took part in a debate at Glastonbury Festival - Paul Grover for the Telegraph
John McDonnell took part in a debate at Glastonbury Festival - Paul Grover for the Telegraph

John McDonnell has been accused of risking the integrity of any future criminal prosecution over the Grenfell Tower tragedy by “irresponsibly” claiming its victims were “murdered by political decisions”.

The shadow chancellor politicised the deaths of 79 people by saying cuts to the numbers of firefighters had “contributed” to the deaths, even though London Fire Brigade said there were no problems with resources or staff levels when it tackled the fire.

Police are considering manslaughter charges against anyone found culpable for the inferno, but by referring to the more serious crime of murder Mr McDonnell risks prejudicing any future prosecution.

Tory MP Andrew Bridgen said: “The term murderer is deeply emotive and is politicising a tragedy. This language could prejudice any future prosecution. It is irresponsible.

Glastonbury debate - Credit: PA
Mr McDonnell takes part in the debate with economist Faiza Shaheen and Guardian journalist John Harris Credit: PA

“It is using the victims of this awful tragedy as political pawns. But the ends always justify the means for the hard Left.”

Robert Buckland, the Solicitor General, who has oversight of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: "It is a test of politicians to see how responsibly they speak and act at serious and solemn times like this.

“John McDonnell has failed this test."

Dominic Grieve, the former attorney general, said: “Where there has been a great tragedy, the use of moderate language is always desirable.

dominic grieve - Credit: Eddie Mulholland for The Telegraph
Dominic Grieve Credit: Eddie Mulholland for The Telegraph

"McDonnell’s immoderate language shows clearly his unfitness for high office.”

Mr McDonnell made the provocative comments on Sunday at Glastonbury Festival, where he took part in a debate in front of an audience of 1,000 people.

As well as blaming fire service cuts, he also suggested the public sector pay freeze had contributed to the tragedy.

Grenfell Tower fire in pictures
Grenfell Tower fire in pictures

It emerged that the Government was told last year by its own investigators that tower blocks were covered in flammable material, but was also told that existing building regulations were “adequate”.

The advice was given by BRE, formerly the Government-owned Building Research Establishment, which is now testing panels from all 600 tower blocks in England for fire safety.

A report sent to the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) in April 2016 said: "With the exception of one or two unfortunate cases, there is currently no evidence from BRE Global's fire investigations for DCLG to suggest that current building regulation recommendations, to limit vertical fire spread up the exterior of high rise buildings, are failing in their purpose."

Profile | John McDonnell
Profile | John McDonnell

The documents warn of "an increase in the volume of potential combustible materials being applied. A number of significant fires… have demonstrated the potential risks", Sky News reported.

Sam Webb, a fire safety expert and retired architect who sits on the all-party Parliamentary Fire Safety & Rescue Group, said the use of flammable materials on tower blocks is "the biggest failure in the construction industry in British history".

Arconic, the US firm that supplied the cladding blamed for spreading the Grenfell Tower fire, announced it has ended worldwide sales of the type of panel involved, citing concerns about the "inconsistency of building codes across the world".

The Government announced that £1.5 million has now been paid out to families directly affected by the fire, made up of £500 cash and £5,000 to their bank accounts. The Charity Commission has already said that every family that lost someone on June 14 will receive £20,000 from public donations.