The Grenfell Tower disaster, a devastating event that claimed 72 lives in June 2017, is set to have its next chapter unfold as plans for its deconstruction were announced. The tragedy, resulting from "decades of failure" by both the government and the construction industry, highlighted the perils of flammable materials used on high-rise buildings. The final report of the Grenfell Tower inquiry, published in September, concluded that the disaster was a consequence of multiple failures, including the use of combustible cladding and systemic regulatory lapses.
Sir Martin Moore-Bick, who chaired the inquiry, remarked that all the deaths were preventable and that residents of the tower were "badly failed" by authorities. He pointed to the "systematic dishonesty" of firms involved in supplying the dangerous cladding and insulation. In his words, these failures occurred "in most cases through incompetence but, in some cases, through dishonesty and greed."
Since 2017, the Grenfell Tower has stood as a stark reminder of the tragedy, covered with a large green heart and the words "forever in our hearts." The deputy prime minister, Angela Rayner, met with survivors and relatives on Wednesday evening to announce the decision to carefully deconstruct the tower. A government spokesperson emphasized that Rayner's priority is to communicate her decision to the bereaved and survivors.
The Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission has been actively consulting on plans for a permanent memorial at the site. A shortlist of five potential designs was drawn last month, with expectations for a planning application by late 2026. Meanwhile, the inquiry into the disaster continues, with prosecutors and police anticipating an end-of-2025 completion for their investigation. The prolonged pursuit of justice has been described as "unbearable" by some affected.
"In most cases through incompetence but, in some cases, through dishonesty and greed," said Sir Martin Moore-Bick.
Grenfell United, representing survivors and bereaved families, has persistently called for meaningful consultation with them before decisions regarding the tower are made. As they stated, "We've said this to every secretary of state for housing since the very beginning: consult the bereaved and survivors meaningfully before reaching a decision on the tower."