Relatives of the Grenfell Tower incident could be forced to leave the country before the inquiry into the blaze is over after the Home Office revealed that their UK visas would have a limit of just six additional months.
A number of MPs have written to the home secretary stating that the extension of the UK visas could be an issue due to the likelihood that the probe will last longer than six months, which would leave many relatives unable to remain in the country long enough to see the conclusion.
In the letter, shadow home secretary Diane Abbott and MP for Kensington Emma Dent Coad have stated that the length of stay for the core participants should be “at least as long” as the inquiry into the fire, with potential for extension based on the individual needs of the families.
The letter also comes after the Home Office revealed that a number of the core participants of the trial have not yet been allowed to enter the UK, although it confirmed that those relatives who are considered core participants should be assured that they will have their UK visa application considered quickly.
Despite this, Ms Abbott and Ms Dent Coad criticised the delay, stating that it is “unacceptable” that core participants who in many cases applied for their UK visa many months ago, are still awaiting a response.