New public advocate role created for bereaved families in wake of Grenfell Tower tragedy

An independent public advocate to help bereaved families after major disasters has been announced in the Queen's Speech, a week after the Grenfell Tower fire killed at least 79 people.

The post was announced by the monarch along with confirmation that a public inquiry will also be held into the June 14 fire, which prompted a mass outpouring of grief and anger.

It came as Theresa May apologised for the failures by local and national government in responding to the blaze. 

The Prime Minister said the initial support on the ground for families was "not good enough" with people lacking basic information about what they should do and where help was available.

Speaking in the Commons, Mrs May said this was a failure to help people "when they needed it most".

She added: "As Prime Minister, I apologise for that failure.

Announcing the new roles as she opened the new parliamentary session, the Queen said: "My government will initiate a full public inquiry into the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower, to ascertain the causes and ensure the appropriate lessons are learned.

"To support victims, my government will take forward measures to introduce an independent public advocate, who will act for bereaved families after a public disaster and support them at public inquests."

The Grenfell Fire Response Team said so far some £675,200 has been distributed to affected families via £500 in cash, £5,000 bank transfers and other "discretionary payments" made by Kensington and Chelsea Council.

John Barradell, head of the Grenfell Fire Response Team, paid tribute to the volunteers and community members who stepped in after the blaze, and vowed that more will be done.

He said: "We are doing all we can to co-ordinate and bring in additional support to help local people who have suffered so much, but know we have so much more to do and won't let up on our efforts.

"As well as looking to deliver much more and effective practical and emotional help, we are listening very closely to the community so they can direct help to where it is needed most."