The Grenfell Tower fire was caused by “dishonest” companies and a chain of failures by governments, according to a damning report from a six-year public inquiry. The report revealed that a cladding manufacturer “deliberately concealed” fire risks while coalition and Conservative governments “ignored, delayed or disregarded” concerns. Grenfell United, which represents some of the families affected, said the inquiry’s report highlighted how “corporate bodies involved were little better than crooks”. Natasha Elcock, the group’s spokeswoman, demanded that the government address the failings without delay and for police and the Crown Prosecution Service to hold those responsible accountable.
The fire, which took place in a west London tower block in June 2017, caused the death of 72 people, including 54 adults and 18 children. Hisam Choucair, who lost six family members, thanked the inquiry for its findings and claimed that waiting for its conclusion had prevented him from prosecuting those responsible. Police and prosecutors have stated that they need until the end of next year to complete their inquiry, and the final decision on potential criminal charges will be by the end of 2026.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer remarked that it was “imperative” to bring “full accountability” for those responsible and potential criminal prosecution as soon as possible. London Mayor Sadiq Khan voiced that the government should undertake the responsibility to hold those responsible accountable. Kensington and Chelsea Council leader Elizabeth Campbell apologised to the bereaved and survivors’ community and said that the council failed them before, on, and after the fire.
The inquiry’s report found that “systematic dishonesty” took place, highlighting manufacturers of cladding and insulation as being the cause of the fire. US firm Arconic, manufacturer of the Reynobond 55 cladding, which according to the experts at the inquiry was the most significant contributor to the fire, deliberately concealed the true extent of the danger of using its product. The inquiry discussed the faulty conduct of Celotex and Kingspan, which both made insulation. London Fire Brigade Commissioner Andy Roe stated that the fire service was “not complacent” and would continue to act on the inquiry’s findings.
Opposition leader and former PM Rishi Sunak called the report a “damning indictment of over 30 years of successive state failures” which painted a picture of “systemic indifference” and “failure” and, in some cases, “dishonesty and greed”. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey insisted that “criminality must be investigated, tried and punished” be it “corporate manslaughter, fraud or misconduct in public office”. Emma O’Connor, who escaped the fire, said she was pleased that the inquiry had laid the blame “where it’s supposed to be.” She added that the real fight in this issue continues, an opinion echoed by other survivors and those left bereaved
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