News / A Simple Question

Grenfell Tower Disaster Anniversary

Tuesday, 19 June 2018 3:23 PM [ Last Update: Tuesday, 19 June 2018 3:23 PM ]

1. A year on from the avoidable disaster, survivors still seek justice. 2. A year on from the horrific disaster that occurred in the Grenfell Tower, west London. Outlining what has happened during this year and the fact that two-thirds of survivors are still not in Permanent housing. 3. This is Kensington and Chelsea, one of the richest and poorest areas of London. It was here that, a catastrophic fire on 4th June 2017, resulted in the deaths of seventy-two people who once lived in Grenfell Tower. Investigations led to shocking revelations. Many more could have survived if they had not followed the official advice to stay in their apartments. Escape routes were severely limited. And it has been claimed that Celotex, which made the insulation, used a different, more fire-retardant product to win the safety certificate and then used a more flammable material for public use. The burning insulation also emitted toxic fumes, including cyanide. 4. The inquiry has had some notable absences. The housing secretary, James Brokenshire, and the housing minister, Dominic Raab, have not come and do not plan to. The same is true of Nick Hurd, the Home Office minister who is the main government contact for victims. Executives from Rydon, the company that refurbished the tower with combustible cladding, are not coming. Neither are the cost consultants, Artelia, who were involved in value engineering by cutting costs. The architects, Studio E, declined to contribute. And the hardship continues. Despite assurances that survivors would be offered permanent furnished social housing within 12 months, the Government itself admits progress had been "too slow" and that it was "understandable" the community would feel "let down." Residents claim properties are damp, too small or just unsuitable. The enquiry is revealing the human impact of the disaster, and also the character of the community that lived in and around the 24-storey council block and which was incinerated by the deadly fire.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk