The Reader: Grenfell victims deserve action, not more delay

PA
10 September 2020

If it was passed on Monday, we could have got on with pushing through vital measures which would have required building owners to carry out more inspections, share fire safety procedures with residents and provide information to the fire service about the design of external walls.

It has been more than three years since the Grenfell tragedy, in which 72 people lost their lives. Yet ministers say they still want to delay recommendations published a year ago.

Wasting time like this creates more opportunities for special interest groups to lobby ministers to water down the new rules.

This is the same story as the Government’s inertia when it comes to removing dangerous cladding from almost two hundred buildings in the capital.

When it comes to the safety of Londoners and justice for the victims and the survivors of Grenfell, we cannot afford to wait around.
Andrew Dismore AM, Labour’s London Assembly fire and resilience spokesperson

Editor's reply

Dear Andrew

As you know, the Government voted down a Labour amendment to the Fire Safety Bill, which had essentially sought to expedite some of the recommendations from the Grenfell inquiry’s first report.

The Government — and Kensington MP Felicity Buchan — accused Labour of playing politics, and promised change would come after a consultation. But I have to agree with you. Far too much time has already passed and this was not a good look, from either ministers or the local MP.

We know what went wrong. We know what needs to happen to stop it happening again. These were sensible measures. Justice delayed is justice denied, and never more so than for the victims of Grenfell.
Ross Lydall, City Hall Editor

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