The Government’s decision to dismantle Grenfell Tower has angered some survivors and relatives of the 72 people who died in the fire in 2017.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner told the group of families and former residents in a private meeting on Wednesday.
In 2019, ministers were warned the structure may be unsafe and advised that it should be dismantled down to the 10th floor.
The future of the building has been a point of debate for many years, with some wanting it to remain, while others saying it should be turned into a memorial.
Representatives of those impacted, from Grenfell United and Grenfell Next of Kin, said that many felt “ignored” by the government’s decision.
It is reported that Rayner’s decision was met with gasps with attendees feeling there had been insufficient consultation on the decision.
“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.
“But judging from the room alone – the vast majority of whom were bereaved – no-one supported her decision.
“But she claims her decision is based on our views.”
Statement from Grenfell United, representing some survivors and bereaved
A Government spokesperson said: “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.”
For others, the decision was difficult but understandable, given the safety concerns.
“For the next of kin of the deceased, that building is a shrine and the death place of their immediate families, their brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, husbands, wives and children – but they understand the hard facts around safety.”
Spokesperson from Grenfell Next Of Kin, representing some bereaved families
The tower block still stands eight years after the fire that killed 72 people
‘Out of sight, out of mind’
Many feel the building should remain until those responsible are held to account.
Others, however, feel the building stands as a constant reminder of the trauma and should be dismantled.
The Grenfell Tower Inquiry report, released in September, revealed that “decades of failure” by former governments and the construction industry led to the fire.
Prosecutors have said they need until the end of next year to announce final decisions on potential criminal charges.
Separately, in a 2023 report, the Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission made a series of suggestions to create a permanent memorial at the site, including creating a “sacred space”, designed to be a “peaceful place for remembering and reflecting.”
The planning application for the memorial is expected to be submitted in late 2026.
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HeadlineFamilies and residents divided over the Government’s decision to dismantle Grenfell Tower
Short HeadlineFamilies' anger over plans to dismantle Grenfell Tower
StandfirstSome survivors and bereaved relatives are angry over the plan to dismantle the building
The Government’s decision to dismantle Grenfell Tower has angered some survivors and relatives of the 72 people who died in the fire in 2017.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner told the group of families and former residents in a private meeting on Wednesday.
In 2019, ministers were warned the structure may be unsafe and advised that it should be dismantled down to the 10th floor.
The future of the building has been a point of debate for many years, with some wanting it to remain, while others saying it should be turned into a memorial.
Representatives of those impacted, from Grenfell United and Grenfell Next of Kin, said that many felt “ignored” by the government’s decision.
It is reported that Rayner’s decision was met with gasps with attendees feeling there had been insufficient consultation on the decision.
“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.
“But judging from the room alone – the vast majority of whom were bereaved – no-one supported her decision.
“But she claims her decision is based on our views.”
Statement from Grenfell United, representing some survivors and bereaved
A Government spokesperson said: “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.”
For others, the decision was difficult but understandable, given the safety concerns.
“For the next of kin of the deceased, that building is a shrine and the death place of their immediate families, their brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, husbands, wives and children – but they understand the hard facts around safety.”
Spokesperson from Grenfell Next Of Kin, representing some bereaved families
The tower block still stands eight years after the fire that killed 72 people
‘Out of sight, out of mind’
Many feel the building should remain until those responsible are held to account.
Others, however, feel the building stands as a constant reminder of the trauma and should be dismantled.
The Grenfell Tower Inquiry report, released in September, revealed that “decades of failure” by former governments and the construction industry led to the fire.
Prosecutors have said they need until the end of next year to announce final decisions on potential criminal charges.
Separately, in a 2023 report, the Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission made a series of suggestions to create a permanent memorial at the site, including creating a “sacred space”, designed to be a “peaceful place for remembering and reflecting.”
The planning application for the memorial is expected to be submitted in late 2026.
