Leaders commemorate Grenfell three years on
THE Prime Minister and Labour leader have marked the third anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire in video messages as the commemoration moves online due to the coronavirus.
Boris Johnson said the people of Britain were with the Grenfell Tower community “in spirit”, while Sir Keir Starmer pledged to do “everything in my power” to prevent such a tragedy happening again.
Yesterday marked three years since a small kitchen fire in the west London high-rise block turned into the most deadly domestic blaze since World War II.
The fire claimed 72 lives and more than 70 other people were injured.
In a video message to be relayed to a virtual service of commemoration yesterday hosted by the Bishop of Kensington, Mr Johnson said the country was working to ensure such a disaster would not be repeated.
“We can all remember where we were three years ago today when we saw this tragedy unfolding on our screens and across the London skyline,” he said.
“That night, 72 men, women and children were taken from us in the cruellest of circumstances.
“As a nation, we are still dealing with the consequences of what happened and working to make sure it never happens again.
“While those affected by Grenfell are not able to gather in person, all of us in this country are with you in spirit.”
The Prime Minister also said the government is working to implement the recommendations of the first phase of the public inquiry into the disaster.
The second phase of the inquiry was paused in March due to the pandemic and is due to restart on July 6.
In the video posted on Twitter, Mr Johnson added: “I know this anniversary is particularly hard, coming at a time when so many survivors and bereaved can’t even come together to share a hug.
“While those affected by Grenfell are not able to gather in person, I want you to know that all of us in this country are with you in spirit. “You will not be forgotten..” With Labour estimating there are still 56,000 people living in homes wrapped in the same flammable cladding as Grenfell, Sir Keir said there had been “little justice or accountability” for what had happened. “In the midst of their suffering, the Grenfell community came together to campaign for justice, safe homes and change. Because no-one should ever go through the loss and pain they experienced.
“But three years on and, unbelievably, tonight people will go to bed in unsafe homes,” he said.
“Three years on and there has been little justice or accountability. Three years on their campaign continues.
“I support Grenfell United. We can all learn from their strength and determination.”
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan also paid tribute to those who died and expressed his support for campaigners.
He said: “I know the bereaved, survivors, residents and wider community are understandably frustrated at the lack of meaningful change and they are fearful that a similar tragedy could happen again. I too share their concerns.
“While struggling with their own personal grief and recovery, they have continued to campaign for building safety and are demanding change to keep others safe in their homes.
“I will continue to be relentless in holding those responsible to account and doing everything within my power to ensure the Grenfell community gets the justice they deserve, and all Londoners can feel safe again in their homes.”
Meanwhile, the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) said high-rise residents faced a “postcode lottery” concerning how many firefighters would be sent to their building in the event of a blaze.
The FBU said “many brigades would not be able to mobilise anywhere near the scale” that was needed to tackle the Grenfell Tower fire, pointing out there is a large variation between the pre-determined attendance (PDA) levels – the number of engines sent as standard to high-rise fires – for different forces.
The FBU general secretary described the situation as “shocking” and “a chilling warning to the Prime Minister”.
Matt Wrack said: “Lives in London and the south east are worth no more than the rest of the country, yet different regions have drastically different standards.”
He said there was “a good chance that the next Grenfell will be outside London, in an area where fewer resources are mobilised to a fire”.