Mike Penning called on the new Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to help speed up the conclusions of the Buncefield Inquiry

Hemel MP Mike Penning seized an opportunity in the House of Commons yesterday to tackle new Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, James Purnell, over the long-awaited conclusions to the Buncefield Inquiry.

Mike called on the Secretary of State to provide the necessary assistance to the Buncefield Inquiry team to enable a conclusion on whether a criminal prosecution should take place.

Mr Purnell agreed to meet with Mike to discuss local peoples’ concerns.

Speaking afterwards, Mike said:

“It is over two years since the explosions and for those whose lives have been turned upside down by this, it is time we had some answers. We need to know if criminal prosecutions will result and the Government must do all it can to reach a conclusion on this.

“There are many residents and businesses still waiting for compensation and many have really suffered far too much as a result of this.

“I will certainly be taking up the new Secretary of State’s offer of a meeting – I have a lot to say to him!”