The Government is hosting workshops as part of its Emergency Evacuation Information Sharing consultation. The consultation proposes scrapping the concept of mandatory evacuation plans for disabled people in blocks of flats, rejecting a key recommendation of the Grenfell Tower inquiry.
The workshops are an opportunity for Home Office officials to explain the proposals and for us to ask any questions. Secondly, it’s a chance for us to share our views on fire and evacuation for disabled people and those who cannot self-evacuate.
There are four workshops planned:
Tuesday 21st June, 2pm – 3.30pm via Teams
Monday 4th July, 4pm – 5.30pm – joining instructions to follow
Monday 4th July, 4pm – 5.30pm
Friday 15th July, 11am – 12.30 – joining instructions to follow
Wednesday 27th July, 5pm-6.30pm – joining instructions to follow
Each workshop is held on Microsoft Teams. We understand that the Home Office is providing a BSL Interpreter on the workshop planned for 15th July.
We have asked officials how the workshops will be a safe space for disabled people on a controversial and highly traumatic subject. The Home Office responded: “In chairing these workshops, we will do our best to make sure discussions are polite and respectful of differing viewpoints, however the nature of this type of engagement means that we expect some passionate and sometimes opposing viewpoints. Its right that they are heard as we want to hear all viewpoints and encourage a healthy level of debate.”
If you would like to attend any of the workshops, please contact simon.glenville@homeoffice.gov.uk directly. You can also share any access adjustments you need to participate fully.
Claddag 