Starmer Vows Decision Must Be Made Following Outrage Over Grenfell Demolition Plan

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasized that a choice must be made regarding Grenfell Tower after certain families expressed their frustration at feeling neglected before an announcement of the block’s demolition.

Starmer stated that the victims of the tragedy, which resulted in the loss of 72 lives, should always be kept in mind, especially when addressing their concerns about the lack of consultation.

The decision made by the government, divulged during a private meeting with families on Wednesday evening, has triggered frustration among some of the bereaved and survivors.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, who also serves as housing secretary, reportedly faced gasps from a surprised audience mostly comprised of bereaved individuals who felt there had been insufficient consultation.

Grenfell United, representing some of the bereaved and survivors, noted that it seemed like “no-one supported her decision” based on the room’s reaction.

There were inquiries about the potential reversal of the decision.

An official update will be provided on Friday, with the government confirming that no alterations will be made to the west London site until the eighth anniversary of the tragedy in June.

Reflecting on his visit to Grenfell Tower last year, Starmer expressed deep feelings about what he witnessed and conversations with some of the families.

He acknowledged the necessity of making a decision, with the deputy prime minister scheduled to present full details on the matter the following day.

When questioned about ignoring the families of the victims, Starmer stressed the importance of always considering the victims in such a tragic event.

The remnants of the tower have remained in place since the disaster, with a green heart emblem and the words “forever in our hearts” adorning the building covering.

In a previous update, the government reiterated the unchanged recommendation from structural engineering experts that the damaged part of the building should be carefully dismantled.

Grenfell United highlighted the repeated calls over the years to housing secretaries for meaningful consultation with the bereaved and survivors before deciding on the tower’s future.

In a statement on Wednesday night, they mentioned that Angela Rayner failed to provide a rationale for her decision to demolish the tower.

They also noted her reluctance to disclose details about the extent of consultation with the bereaved and survivors during the recent brief four-week period.

The statement emphasized that despite the majority of the room consisting of bereaved individuals expressing disagreement with her decision, Rayner claimed it was based on their opinions.

Emma O’Connor, a survivor who lived on the 20th floor and managed to escape the inferno, expressed hopes that while part of the tower might be demolished, some sections could be preserved and transformed into a memorial.

During an interview on BBC Radio 4’s “Today” program, O’Connor suggested a method of carefully deconstructing the tower from the top to the 10th floor, the most unstable section, to create a standing memorial.

She expressed concerns that moving the tower entirely out of sight could lead to a lack of accountability by the responsible parties for the disrespect shown to human lives.

Regarding the meeting format, O’Connor described it as an announcement followed by a Q&A session where questions were answered without specific details on the reversibility of the decision or the possibility of a standing memorial.

A spokesperson from Grenfell Next Of Kin, a group representing some of the bereaved families, acknowledged the sensitivity and complexity of the decision, mentioning the families’ understanding of safety concerns.

Rather cryptically, the spokesperson mentioned that Rayner had revealed the necessity for a careful deconstruction of the tower.

They emphasized the tower’s significance as a shrine and the place where their immediate family members lost their lives, showing an understanding of the safety measures required.

However, Grenfell United expressed disappointment at the meeting, reflecting the upset of the bereaved and survivors for not having their views considered in the decision-making process.

They condemned the disregard for their input on the future of the memorial site as disgraceful and unforgivable.

Opinions diverge on what should be done with the site, with some advocating for the tower’s preservation until there are legal repercussions for the failures that led to the fire.

The Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s final report concluded in September that the tragedy resulted from years of neglect by the government and construction industry regarding the hazards of flammable materials in high-rise buildings.

Investigators estimated it would take until the end of 2025 to conclude the inquiry, with decisions on potential criminal charges expected by the end of 2026.

The prolonged wait for justice has been described by families as intolerable.

Separately, the Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission has been consulting on plans for a permanent memorial in the tower’s vicinity, proposing a “sacred space” meant for remembrance and reflection.

A planning application for the memorial is anticipated to be submitted in late 2026.

A government representative stated that the deputy prime minister’s priority is to meet with and inform the bereaved, survivors, and the immediate community of her decision regarding the future of the Grenfell Tower.

They added, “This is a deeply personal matter for all those affected, and the deputy prime minister is committed to ensuring their voices are central to this process.”