TODAY marks the seventh anniversary of the fire at Grenfell Tower, a 23 storey tower block in North Kensington, London. The fire broke out on the fourth floor just before 1 am on 14 June 2017, and quickly spread up the exterior of the building. Seventy two people were killed. The Grenfell Tower Inquiry is set to publish its final report in September.
The Fire Brigades Union has called for Labour, if it forms the next government, to tackle the lack of regulation that led to the disaster, and to hold those responsible accountable. Referring to Labour’s pledge to build 1.5 million homes in its first term, the union’s leader said that such promises were welcome, but the homes must be safe.
Speaking ahead of the anniversary, Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union General Secretary, said: “The Grenfell Tower fire was a crime committed by politicians and corporations on residents they were supposed to protect. Those responsible must be held accountable. But fundamentally, Grenfell was caused by a lack of regulation and oversight by ministers.
“The Tories have failed to implement adequate safety measures and continue to leave many thousands of high rise residents at risk. The next Labour government must end the crime of deregulation, with proper standards and oversight of building materials, design and evacuation plans. The fire service must be given the resources it needs for a programme of enforcement and inspection.Promises to build homes are welcome – but they must be safe.”
* A full list of the victims of the fire here.
* More information on the Grenfell Tower fire here.
* Source: Fire Brigades Union