Government issues statement on elements of Grenfell Tower

Further, the Government thanks the independent Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission, and the community, for the work being transacted to create a lasting memorial. There’s also reference to recent press reports about preserving parts of the Tower for possible inclusion in the memorial and confirmation that that steps are being taken to carefully remove and preserve these elements where possible.

The Government also commits to working with the Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission and the community during the memorial design process, and states that no decisions have yet been taken as to whether the requested elements will be included in the memorial.

The statement reads as follows:

“We recognise that Grenfell Tower has a deep personal significance to those most affected by the tragedy and that the land is sacred to families. We would like to thank the Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission and the community for their ongoing dedication and hard work towards a fitting and lasting memorial to honour those lives lost and forever changed as a result of the tragedy.”

“Families may be aware of recent press reports that a request was made to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to retain certain elements of the Tower, from above Floor 9, for possible incorporation into the memorial. We are aware that this may have been a difficult time. We recognise that we did not make the Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission aware of that request.”

“We can confirm that we have instructed our principal contractor, DeconstructUK, to take steps to carefully remove and preserve the requested elements, where possible.”

“No decisions have been taken as to what will happen to the requested elements, including whether they will be incorporated into the memorial. We understand that families hold a range of views on that issue and further consultation and engagement will be required.”

“We remain committed to working with the Commission, and the community, to support the consideration of this throughout the memorial design process being led by Freehaus.”