What's happened
Seven years after the Grenfell Tower fire, over 2,000 buildings in the UK still have unsafe cladding. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner express frustration over the slow remediation process, emphasizing the need for urgent action to protect residents. A recent inquiry report highlights systemic failures in safety regulations.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to BBC News, Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated, "I'm frustrated that it's going as slowly as it is to deal with the cladding," highlighting the urgency of the situation. Meanwhile, The Mirror reported that families living in unsafe tower blocks feel neglected, with one resident stating, "We’re numbers on a spreadsheet but we should be able to feel safe." This sentiment underscores the emotional toll of the ongoing crisis. Angela Rayner, the Housing Secretary, emphasized that the government has a responsibility to accelerate remediation efforts, stating, "There is no excuse for building owners failing to act." The inquiry's findings have prompted calls for accountability, with former housing secretary Michael Gove acknowledging the slow progress towards justice for victims.
How we got here
The Grenfell Tower fire in June 2017 resulted in 72 deaths and exposed severe deficiencies in building safety regulations. Subsequent inquiries revealed that flammable cladding was a significant factor in the tragedy, prompting government promises to remove dangerous materials from high-rise buildings. However, progress has been slow.
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What Progress Has Been Made in Addressing Unsafe Cladding Since the Grenfell Fire?
Seven years after the tragic Grenfell Tower fire, the issue of unsafe cladding remains a pressing concern in the UK. With over 2,000 buildings still affected, many are left wondering what steps have been taken to ensure safety and accountability. This page explores the current state of cladding remediation, the impact on residents, and the ongoing regulatory challenges.
More on these topics
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Angela Rayner is a British politician serving as Shadow First Secretary of State since 2020, and has been Member of Parliament for Ashton-under-Lyne since 2015.
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On 14 June 2017, a fire broke out in the 24-storey Grenfell Tower block of flats in North Kensington, West London, at 00:54 BST; it caused 72 deaths, including those of two victims who later died in hospital.
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.