Families of the 72 people who died in the Grenfell Tower fire have hit back at plans to demolish the building, accusing the government of ignoring their views.
The 24-storey tower in west London has remained standing since June 2017, when it was the site of the deadliest residential fire in the UK since the Second World War. It is currently covered in white wrapping that features a green heart and the words “Forever in our Hearts”.
The government is expected to confirm plans to dismantle the tower later this week, but secretary of state for housing Angela Rayner briefed survivors and bereaved families on Wednesday evening (5 February).
Grenfell United, a group of survivors and bereaved families, said demolition of the structure was not widely supported and the Grenfell community had not been adequately consulted on the decision.
It said in a statement: “We’ve said this to every secretary of state for housing since the beginning: consult the bereaved and survivors meaningfully before reaching a decision on the tower.
“Angela Rayner could not give a reason for her decision to demolish the tower. She refused to confirm how many bereaved and survivors had been spoken to in the recent, short, four-week consultation.
“Judging from the room alone — the vast majority of whom were bereaved — no one supported her decision. But she claims it was based on our views.”
It added: “Today’s meeting showed just how upset bereaved and survivors are about not having their views heard or considered in this decision. Ignoring the voices of bereaved on the future of our loved ones’ gravesite is disgraceful and unforgivable.”
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said: “The priority for the deputy prime minister is to meet with and write to the bereaved, survivors and the immediate community to let them know her decision on the future of the Grenfell Tower.
“This is a deeply personal matter for all those affected, and the deputy prime minister is committed to keeping their voice at the heart of this.”
An independent body, the Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission, is leading work on creating a memorial at the site. In 2023 it said the memorial should be a “sacred space” and a “peaceful place for remembering and reflecting”.
Earlier this year it shortlisted five architects to design the memorial, which is set to feature a garden, private space for bereaved and survivors, and a reflection of the mix of faiths and cultures in the Grenfell community.
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Will Ing