PM Keir Starmer apologises ‘on behalf of British state’ to victims of Grenfell Tower fire

The Prime Minister said, “I want to start with an apology on behalf of the British state to each and every one of you, and indeed to all of the families affected by this tragedy. It should never have happened. The country failed to discharge its most fundamental duty, to protect you and your loved ones, the people that we are here to serve, and I am deeply sorry.”

“I also want to express my admiration for the strength it must have taken to relive these events when giving your evidence to the inquiry, and indeed to see written down today the circumstances that led to the death of your loved ones. After all you’ve been through, you may feel you’re always one step away from another betrayal. I get that, and I know I cannot change that with just words.” he added, while calling for “a day of justice.”

Opposition leader and former prime minister Rishi Sunak also offered an apology. He took to his X handle and wrote, “I associate myself and Conservatives with the Prime Minister’s powerful words regarding the pain of the bereaved families, survivors and all those affected by the tragic events surrounding Grenfell Tower. It was their tenacity and strength that brought the truth to light and for that they deserve our thanks and full support.”

I associate myself and @Conservatives with the Prime Minister’s powerful words regarding the pain of the bereaved families, survivors and all those affected by the tragic events surrounding Grenfell Tower.

It was their tenacity and strength that brought the truth to light and…

— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) September 4, 2024

The final report of the six-year public inquiry into the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire has revealed a series of failures by governments, “dishonest” companies, and ineffective fire service strategies. The report highlights how fire safety regulations in high-rise buildings were mishandled, with the coalition and Conservative governments “ignoring, delaying or disregarding” safety concerns.

Key findings:

– Systematic dishonesty by cladding manufacturers, with US firm Arconic concealing the dangers of its Reynobond 55 cladding.
– Failures in London Fire Brigade’s training and evacuation strategy.
– Missed opportunities by successive governments to address safety issues.
– Indifference by the local council and Tenant Management Organisation towards fire safety.

The report, spanning 1,700 pages, recommends establishing a single construction regulator, improving firefighter training, and revising material testing standards. Sir Martin Moore-Bick, the inquiry chair, noted that while all involved parties contributed to the disaster, the primary causes were “incompetence,” with some cases of “dishonesty and greed.”