The third anniversary of the Grenfell Tower has been commemorated predominantly online due to the coronavirus lockdown.
The west London tower went up in flames on June 14, claiming 72 lives and more than 70 other people were injured.
Grenfell survivors and supporters joined together in a virtual memorial to mark the third anniversary of the disaster.
At 6pm, over 70 church bells across London ringing at 6pm in memory of those who lost their lives, a two-minute silence, remembrance as well as reflections on the journey to justice.
Organised by support group Grenfell United, a memorial was streamed on Sunday evening with messages of support and a two-minute silence for those who died. It was moved online due to coronavirus.
Singer Adele, who visited Grenfell shortly after the fire, said in a video message: “I wanted to send my love to all of you today and let you know that I’m thinking of you as I always do.
“Even though we’re having to do this in the virtual world, online, 2020 zoom life as it is, it is still so important for us to mourn together, and for us to remember that night and to reflect on that and also reflect on where we are now.
“And also to celebrate the lives that were lived before sadly being taken that night.”
During the online memorial, several families called for justice.
A bereaved family member from Grenfell United, who did not want to give his name, said in one video: “We still don’t have all the answers but we know the refurbishment of Grenfell Tower was illegal and poorly executed, a preventable tragedy caused by cost-cutting with no regard for safety.
“Three years on, companies, corporations, national and local government want us to forget. They want to be forgotten but we will never forget.”
The second phase of the public inquiry into the fire is set to resume next month after being paused due to the pandemic.
The chairwoman of the Hillsborough Families Support Group, which was started following the disaster in 1989 which killed 96 people, also gave her support to the Grenfell memorial.
In a video message, Margaret Aspinall said: “I know at the moment it’s a hard struggle for you all as it has been for the Hillsborough families over 30-odd years.
“I would ask you all please do not give up, no matter what happened, for the future or now.
“Please never give up, you will fight for what you believe in and you will eventually achieve the outcome that you rightfully deserve.”
From 10.30pm, people in homes across the UK are asked to shine a bright green light to show solidarity with the bereaved and survivors.
This morning, the Bishop of Kensington, the Rt Revd Dr Graham Tomlin, hosted a virtual service to mark the anniversary.
Video messages from relatives of the victims were played during the service meanwhile messages from members of the local community and musical performances were played.
Relatives also paid tribute to their loved ones and vowed to continue fighting for justice as the second phase of the public inquiry restarts after lockdown.
The Prime Minister and Labour leader also both marked the anniversary in video messages.
Boris Johnson said the people of Britain were with the Grenfell Tower community “in spirit'.
Sir Keir Starmer pledged to do “everything in my power” to prevent such a tragedy happening again
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.”
Victims of the Grenfell Tower fire
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 the loss of 72 lives at Grenfell was deeply traumatic, but 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, and the loss of life could be worse still”.
In tribute to each victim who died in the blaze, bells of London churches will toll 72 times and green lights will glow from tower block windows.
In a video message the virtual service, 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.
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.”