Grenfell Tower Demolition Confirmed Amidst Mixed Reactions
The remains of Grenfell Tower, where 72 people lost their lives in a devastating fire in June 2017, are set to be demolished, Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner has confirmed. The decision, announced during a meeting with bereaved families and survivors on Wednesday evening, has sparked mixed reactions, with some groups accusing the government of failing to adequately consult those most affected by the tragedy.
Rayner informed attendees that the tower would be “carefully deconstructed,” a move that aligns with previous structural engineering advice. However, Grenfell United, a group representing survivors and bereaved families, criticised the decision as “disgraceful and unforgivable,” claiming that the voices of the bereaved had been ignored. They expressed concerns that the consultation process, which lasted just four weeks, was insufficient and lacked meaningful engagement.
The government had previously stated that no changes would be made to the site before the eighth anniversary of the fire in June 2025. Many families have argued that the tower should remain standing until criminal prosecutions over the failings that led to the fire are concluded. The final report of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, published in September, attributed the disaster to “decades of failure” by the government and construction industry, citing the use of flammable cladding and insulation as key factors.
Meanwhile, the Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission is progressing with plans for a permanent memorial at the site. A shortlist of five potential designs was announced last month, with a final design expected to be selected this summer. The commission envisions a “sacred space” that will serve as a peaceful place for reflection and remembrance.
The decision to demolish the tower has reignited debates about justice and accountability, with families describing the near-decade-long wait for criminal charges as “unbearable.” Prosecutors and police have indicated that their investigation will continue until the end of 2025, with decisions on potential charges expected by late 2026.
Grenfell Tower, where 72 people died, to be demolished, families are told
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The government has previously said there will be no changes to the site before the eighth anniversary of the fire disaster, which claimed 72 lives on
news.sky.com
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www.ft.com
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Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner met with families of the 72 people who died in the fire to inform them of the decision
www.standard.co.uk
Bereaved families told Grenfell Tower to be demolished
The Grenfell Tower in London, which was destroyed by fire in 2017, is to be demolished.
www.rte.ie
Grenfell Tower set to be demolished, bereaved families are told
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner told a meeting of bereaved families that Grenfell Tower will be demolished
www.theboltonnews.co.uk