Remembering Grenfell

With the 4 year anniversary last week, we continue to remember the lives that have been lost and pray for the hundreds of people who lived in the tower and were significantly impacted by this tragedy.

The Inquiry Panel has made the following statement:

“We know that this is a very difficult time for all those who have been affected by the fire which engulfed Grenfell Tower on 14 June 2017. On this fourth anniversary of the tragedy the Panel and the whole of the Inquiry team offer their deepest sympathy to the bereaved, survivors and other members of the community whose lives were shattered by it. We shall continue to put every effort into uncovering the causes of the fire and remain determined to provide the answers which the community seeks.”

However, what started as a small kitchen fire in the early hours of the morning turned Grenfell into a tragic disaster engulfing the tower in flames and sadly, killing 72 people. The health and safety policy, which is transpires was non-existent, is a starting point to ensure that this kind of tragedy is not repeated.

A fundamental failing is the fact that basic health and safety policies were not adhered to by Kensington & Chelsea and those responsible for overseeing the safety of the building and the well-being of the residents. In short, the local authority failed in their Duty of Care.

Why did the fire spread so fast? 

The investigations lead to the external cladding put in place during the renovation of the block. The cladding was made up of aluminium and polyethylene core, this material, at high temperatures melts, and is expected to release large amounts of energy during combustion. 

So, what are the Government doing to help prevent tragedies like this in the future? 

The BBC has reported that a spokesperson for the department for Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said that ‘Ministers are prioritising making the tallest buildings with the most dangerous cladding safer, backed by £5bn in funding’. However, survivors condemn the new safety regulations – a little too late. 

How were survivors impacted and what are their lives like now? 

A Survivor’s Policy was put in place back in 2017, the Government announced that those who qualified for Survivor’s Policy would be able to apply for permanent residence after 5 years of lawful residence under policy. But survivors have reported that they have not felt supported as there is still injustice ‘as people are still talking about cladding, still talking about gaining justice and the public inquiry keeps stopping and starting.’ 

What now?

It very much depends on the findings of the public inquiry and the outcome of the findings. The support for the families of the victims and those who have been dispossessed as a result of the tragedy will continue for years to come, however, as with many tragedies of this kind, it could have been avoided, words no one particularly wants to hear.

The Grenfell Foundation is a charitable organisation set up this year at the request of bereaved and survivors from the Grenfell Tower fire. It will provide support and assistance to the generations affected by the Grenfell Tower tragedy for years to come, with an emphasis on community, well-being and education. Please donate -  https://grenfellfoundation.org.uk/

 Alyssia Sableski - Intern