Hemel MP, Mike Penning, has spoken of his hopes that the matter of liability and therefore compensation will be finalised in the Commercial Court hearing on Buncefield starting in London today. The case is expected to run until the end of the year and cost about £58 million.
Nearly three years after the explosion at the Buncefield Oil Depot caused major damage to homes and businesses in the surrounding area the case has finally gone to Court to decide which oil company is liable for the claims which are estimated to be about £1 billion.
Mike Penning said: "I very much hope that we can finally see an end to this dreadful situation which has resulted in people having to put their lives on hold for the past three years. It is shameful that residents and business owners have had to wait nearly three years for this case to start. It is unacceptable that the oil companies have not been more forthcoming in their assistance to those affected by the blast. "The explosion caused damage to over 600 local businesses. The larger companies have in the main managed to become fully operational again. It is the small businesses and local families who have suffered the most."
He added: "Of course we still don't know if any criminal prosecution will result. We don't know what the Buncefield Inquiry will recommend because the inquiry is being held behind closed doors."
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