We should not stoke fears

EVERY MONDAY

This has been a heartbreaking, gutwrenching and deeply sorrowful week. The horror and tragedy of Grenfell Tower has unleashed a torrent of raw emotions.

Incredulity as we watched the inferno engulf the tower.

Anguish for the residents woken from their sleep to the unfolding nightmare.

Admiration for the emergency services who were there within minutes, risking life and limb to save others.

Anger that it could happen at all.

Few of us could even begin to imagine the pain and trauma being suffered by the residents of Grenfell Tower.

But we all understand their need for answers. We share it. Why did it happen? How could it happen? Whose fault was it? So much despair and so many questions.

And from the anger comes the need to apportion blame. To find fault.

There will have been fault. Perhaps many faults and many at fault. Which is why a full public inquiry is needed – one which can establish the facts and which can investigate without fear or favour. One which uncovers the truth.

That is what the residents of Grenfell need and deserve.

What they do not need is that their pain and suffering should be hijacked for political gain.

Yes, those in charge at local, city and national level must be held to account. The management company must provide answers and the contractors need to give explanations. Experts have to be consulted. But what we do not need is an army of instant internet experts stoking fears, pushing conspiracy theories, unrest and civil disruption.

For I fear that there are some who see any human tragedy as fair game to further their own political agenda – who take to the streets to lash out at the establishment in the name of their pet cause or ideology; who abuse the suffering of ordinary people by stoking more anger, by marching on the streets of London with their socialist worker and anarchy placards and demanding that heads must roll; who are fuelling insurrection by jumping to conclusions for their own ends; who would love there to be a summer of discontent; who try to turn justifiable anger into a march of rage.

They must not get their viscous way.

Out of the tragedy of Grenfell Tower, it is time for cool heads, not hot heads. For answers, not anarchy. For reason rather than rebellion. For compassion, not conflict.

But we all understand their need for answers. We share it