Act now to prevent another Grenfell tragedy

London Assembly Members agreed a unanimous motion calling for further urgent safeguards for London residents. Seventy-two people died in the fire at the 24-storey tower block in North Kensington on June 14 last year. Flammable cladding installed as part of a refurbishment in 2016 is thought to have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.

Assembly member Tom Copley, who proposed the motion said: “With the anniversary of the disastrous fire at Grenfell Tower approaching, Londoners must be given unambiguous assurances that stringent action is being taken to ensure that it can never be allowed to happen again.

“However, one year on, it is extremely concerning to see that a significant number of Londoners are still exposed to the risks and dangers of highly combustible cladding in their homes. This is absolutely unacceptable.

“Grenfell has left an indelible mark on our city, and we need to ensure that no such disaster is ever repeated. This is why I am calling upon the Mayor, and the Chairman of the London Assembly, to write to the Government to suggest a number of measures that will prevent the future use of combustible cladding and stretch the scope of their policies to protect private tenants.

“I have also urged them to hold the Government to their promise of fully funding the removal of dangerous cladding and insulation from council and housing association properties, without the possibility of a cap.”
 
Assembly member Shaun Bailey, who seconded the motion, said: “It was absolutely essential to back today’s motion on fire safety. Next week it will be a year since the Grenfell tragedy and it should never be allowed to occur again.
 
“I am glad that the Assembly welcomed the PM’s commitment to fully funding the removal of cladding from council and housing association buildings.
 
“I hope with this motion that the Secretary of State will take forward our recommendations.”