Bulletin No.22

Bulletin No 22

Discussion: The Grenfell Inquiry, a 5-Year Retrospective

Grenfell Tower, a residential block in Kensington housing low-income individuals, caught fire on June 14th, 2017.  A fire started in the kitchen of one of the apartments quickly grew and engulfed the tower, killing 72 people and destroying the lives of the many others who survived the tragedy. The reason that the fire grew so rapidly is attested to the highly-flammable cladding on the sides of the building, exposing widespread malpractice and cost-cutting throughout corporations and building companies. On 29th June, then-PM Theresa May announced an inquiry would be formed to take the necessary action to prevent such preventable fires occurring again.

WHAT DID THE INQUIRY SHOW?

The dual-phase inquiry exposed a huge number of dangerous cost-cutting measures that had been used in the construction of Grenfell, particularly the use of polythene cladding manufactured by Arconic, which ruled the fire and was a major reason for the building being engulfed so quickly in flames. Moreover, the inadequate safety measures, such as a lack of fire escapes and a ‘stay put’ policy, were shown to play a role in the high death toll.  

The disregard of human life in order to save money by companies shows an extensive, multi-company-wide disregard for the rights of tenants, particularly those tenants that have low-income backgrounds. Moreover, according to Leslie Thomas QC, who was representing bereaved families, the fire was “inextricably linked with race” as a majority of the Grenfell residents who died were people of colour, pointing to institutional racism as another major feature of the blaze.

The first phase of the inquiry has evidenced the clear widespread human rights infractions committed by a web of perpetrators not limited to: manufacturing companies, building corporations, landlords, and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

WHAT STEPS HAVE BEEN TAKEN?

Although five years have passed since the tragedy, the changes made by the UK government, as well as reparations to victims and their families’, have been scarce.

Recommendations have been made as a result of the inquiry. However, inquest.org reports that the Government has disregarded many of the recommendations made. In May 2022, the Government announced that they would not be implementing the inquiry’s recommendation that every high-rise residential building be required to have prepared PEEPs for all residents who are not able to self-evacuate.

More tower-block fires have occurred since Grenfell, such as in Deptford, Aldgate, and Poplar, where the block had the same cladding as Grenfell Tower. There is also a strong likelihood that there are several buildings that still carry huge fire safety risks that have flown under the radar due to Governmental apathy. Charities and groups such as inquest agree that not enough has been done to protect individuals, particularly those from low-income backgrounds.

Charity Spotlight

The Grenfell Foundation

The Grenfell Foundation was set up on 14 June 2017 to provide Independent support and advocacy for the former residents of Grenfell Tower, as well as the bereaved families and dependants. This charity funds projects to support those affected, as well as to support awareness of what happened and spark change. The incredible work done by the foundation has done incredible work over five years:

Providing grants to the community affected by the tragedy

Supporting projects put forward by the bereaved

Supporting the Grenfell anniversary in memorial projects including silent walks

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Participate in yearly initiatives on the anniversary of Grenfell

Join the Silent Walks or multi-faith services supported by the foundation

Donate to their foundation

More info on how to participate, donate, or learn more can be found at: https://www.grenfellfoundation.org.uk/

Internal and External Opportunities

Internal Opportunities

The Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service

The Greater Manchester Fire Service provides extensive advice and help with fire safety for free.  As well as fire plans and resources for children, the Service supports the Prince’s Trust Team programme, a personal development course that runs three times a year across Greater Manchester that is open to all 16-25 year olds.

You can learn more at: https://www.manchesterfire.gov.uk/

External Opportunities

Oxfam

Oxfam, founded in 1942, is a group of charitable organisations working to alleviate global poverty.  Current campaigns include providing aid for millions of Pakistanis who have lost their livelihoods to flooding, climate action, and supporting the 135 million facing crisis levels of hunger. There are currently many ways to get involved with Oxfam:

Donate on their website

Visit one of their second-hand stores and help out by shopping (there are over ten Oxfam stores in Manchester, so the opportunity is endless)

Volunteer online or in-store

You can find out more on their website: https://www.oxfam.org.uk/