On Sunday 14th June, prime minister Boris Johnson and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer commemorated the third anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy, where 72 people died in the west London residential block.
“Grenfell for Humanity”, was held virtually in regulation with the social distancing norms owing to the coronavirus pandemic. In his video message, Johnson said,
“While those affected by Grenfell are not able to gather in person, all of us in this country are with you in spirit. We can all remember where we were three years ago today when we saw this tragedy unfolding on our screens and across the London skyline. As a nation, we are still dealing with the consequences of what happened and working to make sure it never happens again,” he said.
However, Labour Party estimates that over 50,000 people were still living in residential construct wrapped in similar flammable cladding that is believed to be responsible for the Grenfell fire tragedy.
“Three years on and, unbelievably, tonight people will go to bed in unsafe homes. Three years on and there has been little justice or accountability. Three years on their campaign continues. I support Grenfell United. We can all learn from their strength and determination,” said Starmer in his message.
The then prime minister Theresa May also tweeted that Parliament, “must do all we can” to help the survivors and that their loved ones must not be forgotten”. Meanwhile, accolading the work of the Grenfell United pressure group, in a written statement, Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan stated,
“While struggling with their own personal grief and recovery, they have continued to campaign for building safety and are demanding change to keep others safe in their homes.”
