Eight years after the tragedy that claimed 72 lives, Grenfell Tower will finally be demolished (Image: PA)
No one can forget the horrifying images that swept the nation on the morning of June 14, 2017 when a fire ripped through a high-rise tower block in west London, claiming the lives of 72 innocent victims.
Grenfell will forever go down as one of Britain’s worst avoidable disasters. Almost eight years on, and after the conclusion of a public inquiry highlighting a litany of failings which could have prevented such a tragedy.
There were howls of protest this week after revealed a decision had been taken to demolish the block. Survivors and relatives of the dead accused the deputy PM of not consulting them about the decision.
The ruined block stands as an uncomfortable reminder about the safety of Britain’s buildings and the treatment of tenants in social housing.
It’s one of the reasons campaign group Grenfell United has opposed its deconstruction and why, when officials in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government recommended for the tower to be brought down, previous Secretaries of State – including my former boss Michael Gove – resisted. And for good reason.
The unsafe cladding which contributed to the speed and severity of the blaze still exists on many tower blocks across the UK. Homeowners are unable to sell their property and tenants live in fear that what happened at Grenfell could happen to them. So until their voices are heard, Grenfell tower has been a tragic symbol to politicians, both in local and national government, and industry that stark changes are needed.
And changes have come.
The introduction of the Building Safety Act and the previous government’s determination to get developers to foot the bill for remediation work on unsafe developments are just two examples which have contributed to making Britain’s buildings safer.
It’s hard to know how much of this progress would‘ve happened without Grenfell tower serving as a daily reminder of the tragedy and – whilst there is still more to do – those who have campaigned for the tower to remain can take comfort that their efforts have resulted in long-term changes for thousands of tenants, for the better.
But it’s also important to be mindful about the residents, workers and school children who still live and work in the surrounding estate who suffer from the mental scars Grenfell’s towering presence brings.
I’ll never forget at a community meeting being told by one resident she won’t open her curtains as the tower serves as a constant and depressing reminder of the tragedy that she watched with horror through her window. It’s something she wishes would be brought down – respectfully – in order to finally move on with her life.
Many share her view. And now we’ve learnt that the longer the tower remains propped up in its current form, the increased safety risk there is to residents.
The reality is that it has always been a case of when, not if, the tower should be brought down. Eight years on, progress has been made in legislation and building safety standards continue to be addressed.
An inquiry has concluded with recommendations for the Government to adopt which campaigners should hold them to account. And a memorial committee has been set up to work with the community, the bereaved and survivors to determine how best to remember those who tragically lost their lives.
Whilst there are questions to answer as to the lack of engagement with residents by the Deputy Prime Minister about her decision, public safety concerns must now come first.
Because what could be worse than a tragedy which cruelly took the lives of 72 residents by causing more damage and inflicting further grief should its support system give way? Nobody would – nor should – forgive the Government for its inaction if that were to happen.That’s why Deputy Prime Minister has taken such decisive action – and she is right to do so.
Yes, consultation is a valuable thing but sometimes governments need to take action and this is one of those times.
- Charlie Rowley was a special advisor to Michael Gove at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government