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I have watched many of the sessions and can readily understand the frustrations of the bereaved when their lawyers are not permitted to ask questions and must instead ask Counsel to the Inquiry to ask the questions on their behalf. To the families this must look and feel as if they are being excluded.

Some of the evidence didn't seem controversial although it was horrific and heart-rending. That evidence by and large seemed to come from the lower ranked firemen. However, when the evidence was being given by officers of the Fire Brigade holding more senior ranks, I can well understand why the families would want them to be cross examined.

Having said that, allowing the individual lawyers to cross examine witnesses would undoubtedly prolong the Inquiry and I haven't heard any complaints that Counsel to the Inquiry has refused to ask questions when asked to do so.

If you haven't watched a session I'd urge you to do so. It is the only way that those of us who weren't there can get even the most basic impression of the horror that took place. All the evidence sessions are on Youtube.