What's happened
A report into the Grenfell Tower fire, which killed 72 people in 2017, reveals decades of government and industry failures regarding flammable materials. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed deep regret, stating the tragedy was avoidable and pledging to ensure accountability for those responsible.
Why it matters
What the papers say
The Independent reported that the inquiry's chairman, Sir Martin Moore-Bick, emphasized the 'systematic dishonesty' of firms involved in the cladding and insulation, stating that the fire was a result of 'decades of failure' by both the government and the construction industry. Sky News echoed this sentiment, noting that the government was 'well aware' of the risks but failed to act. Meanwhile, The Scotsman highlighted Starmer's commitment to ensuring accountability, stating that the report's findings must lead to 'full accountability, including through the criminal justice process.' This consensus across sources underscores the urgent need for reform in building safety regulations.
How we got here
The Grenfell Tower fire occurred on June 14, 2017, due to a faulty fridge, rapidly spreading due to combustible cladding. The inquiry, initiated to investigate the disaster, has now concluded that systemic failures by government and construction firms contributed to the tragedy.
Common question
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What are the key findings of the Grenfell Tower inquiry report?
The Grenfell Tower inquiry report, released on September 4, 2024, sheds light on the tragic fire that claimed 72 lives in 2017. This comprehensive report reveals systemic failures in fire safety regulations and highlights the negligence of both the government and the construction industry. Below, we address common questions regarding the report's findings, government responses, and proposed changes to prevent future tragedies.
More on these topics
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Sir Martin James Moore-Bick is a retired judge of the Court of Appeal of England and Wales.
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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.
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Grenfell United is a pressure group made up of the families of victims and survivors of the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire.
The first formal meeting of Grenfell United took place on Saturday 24 June 2017.
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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.