LONDON (AFP) – London’s Grenfell Tower – scene of Britain’s worst residential fire since World War II – is set to be demolished seven years after 72 people died in a blaze there, survivors and families of victims said yesterday.
Housing Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner “announced her decision about Grenfell Tower to a room full of survivors and next of kin” on Wednesday, the group Grenfell Next of Kin, which represents families, said in a statement on X.
The decision comes more than seven years after an inferno destroyed the 24-storey block in west London, with the fire spreading rapidly due to highly combustible cladding fixed to its exterior.
Grenfell United, which represents some of the survivors and bereaved families, slammed the decision as “disgraceful” and said victims were ignored by the “short” consultation.
“Today’s meeting showed just how upset bereaved and survivors are about not having their views heard or considered in this decision,” Grenfell United said on X.
“Ignoring the voices of the bereaved on the future of our loved one’s gravesite is disgraceful and unforgivable.”
However, the group Grenfell Next of Kin said it was a “sensitive decision” which “came after a thorough engagement process” and was informed by “safety concerns”.
An inquiry report last year found the 72 deaths were “all avoidable” and blamed the “systematic dishonesty” of building firms.
Since the inquiry and report, which also revealed decades-long government and regulatory failures, victim groups have criticised the United Kingdom government for failing to implement fire safety recommendations swiftly enough.
Families have also condemned the delay in bringing criminal charges against those blamed for the disaster in the inquiry.
