Deputy PM provides update on Grenfell Tower

The Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Raynor, has met with bereaved families and survivors of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, and written to both them and residents in the immediate community, to share her decision that Grenfell Tower will be carefully taken down to the ground.

Raynor has been meeting with those affected by the tragedy since her appointment in July.

In November last year, Raynor explained to families that she would listen to their views and consider expert information before making a decision on the future of the Tower in February.

She has since met in person or online with the bereaved and survivors and has also spent time with representative groups, residents’ associations, schools and faith leaders.

72 people lost their lives in the Grenfell Tower fire in June 2017 – a tragedy which has forever changed the lives of the survivors and their loved ones.

Following the Deputy PM’s meetings with the community, a publication from Raynor’s office says ‘it is clear from conversations it remains a sacred site. It is also clear that there is not a consensus about what should happen to it.’

‘For some, Grenfell Tower is a symbol of all that they lost. The presence of the Tower helps to ensure the tragedy is never forgotten and can act as a reminder of the need for justice and accountability.

‘Being able to see the Tower every day helps some people continue to feel close to those they lost. For others it is a painful reminder of what happened and is having a daily impact on some members of the community. Some have suggested that some floors of the Tower should be retained for the memorial, others have said that this would be too painful.’

The Deputy PM has also considered independent expert advice.

Engineering advice says that the Tower is significantly damaged. It remains stable because of the measures put in place to protect it but even with installation of additional props, the condition of the building will continue to worsen over time.

Engineers also advise it is not practicable to retain many of the floors of the building in place as part of a memorial that must last in perpetuity.

Taking the engineering advice into account, the Deputy Prime Minister concluded that it would not be fair to keep some floors of the building that are significant to some families, whilst not being able to do so for others and knowing that, for some, this would be deeply upsetting.

The government is committed to taking the next steps respectfully and carefully. There will be continued support for, and engagement with, the community throughout the process. There will be no changes to the Tower before the eighth anniversary.

In the coming months, the government will confirm the specialist contractor that will develop a detailed plan for taking the Tower down.

It will likely take around two years to sensitively take down the Tower through a process of careful and sensitive progressive deconstruction that happens behind the wrapping.

The Deputy PM’s office says they will continue to support the independent Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission as the community choose a design team to work with them on designing a memorial.

Raynor will also ensure that materials from the site, communal areas of the Tower, or parts of the Tower can be carefully removed and returned for inclusion as part of the memorial, if the community wishes.

The department has regularly consulted the Metropolitan Police, HM Coroner and the Grenfell Tower Inquiry to ensure decisions about the site do not interfere with their work in pursuit of justice and accountability. The Police and HM Coroner have again recently confirmed they have everything they need.