Aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire
{{short description|Series of events following the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2018}}
{{Use British English|date=October 2017}}
{{Infobox event
| image = File:Grenfell_Tower_remains.jpg
| image_alt = A tower block (Grenfell Tower) burning on nearly all floors with large amounts of smoke rising, and water being sprayed at the building from firefighters.
| caption = Grenfell Tower two days after the fire broke out
| time = 00:54 BST (first emergency call)
| duration = 24 hours (under control)
Over 60 hours (fully extinguished)
| date = {{Start date and age|2017|6|14|df=yes}}
| location = Grenfell Tower, North Kensington, London, United Kingdom
| coordinates = {{plainlist|
- {{Coord|51.5140|-0.2158|region:GB-KEC_dim:2000_type:event|display=inline,title}}
- {{gbmappingsmall|TQ 23907 80957}}
}}
| map = {{Location map| United Kingdom London Kensington and Chelsea#Greater London#UK
| width = 250
| label = Grenfell Tower
| caption = Grenfell Tower's location within the Kensington and Chelsea borough##Grenfell Tower's location within London##Grenfell Tower's location within the United Kingdom
| position = centre
| background =
| coordinates = {{Coord|51.5140|-0.2158}}
}}
| also_known_as =
| type = Structure fire
| cause = Electrical fault in a refrigerator; spread of fire largely exacerbated by flammable exterior cladding on the building{{cite web|title=LATEST: Grenfell Tower fire investigation|url=http://news.met.police.uk/news/latest-grenfell-tower-fire-investigation-250453|website=Mynewsdesk|access-date=16 November 2017|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620052605/http://news.met.police.uk/news/latest-grenfell-tower-fire-investigation-250453|archive-date=20 June 2018|url-status=dead}}
| first_reporter =
| participants =
| outcome =
- Government taskforce taking over parts of the RBKC council function
- Urgent fire safety tests on cladding from similar towers
- Independent review of building regulations and fire safety commissioned
- £200 Million pledged from Government to replace similar cladding in other residential towers in England
| deaths = 72
| reported injuries = 74 hospitalised
| reported property damage = £200 million – £1 billion (estimated){{cite web |title=Insurance cost of Grenfell Tower fire |date=22 June 2017 |url=https://www.reinsurancene.ws/grenfell-tower-fire-insurance-loss-estimated-1-billion/ |access-date=9 February 2019}}
| burial =
| inquiries = Public inquiry hearings opened 14 September 2017
| website = {{URL|https://www.grenfelltowerinquiry.org.uk}}
| inquest = Open for all 72 victims; pending police investigation and public inquiry
| arrests =6
}}
{{Grenfell Tower|sidebar=yes}}
On 14 June 2017, the Grenfell Tower fire broke out in the 24-storey Grenfell Tower block of flats in North Kensington, West London, at 00:54 BST; it caused 72 deaths, including those of two victims who later died in hospital. More than 70 others were injured and 223 people escaped. It was the deadliest structural fire in the United Kingdom since the 1988 Piper Alpha disaster and the worst UK residential fire since the Second World War.
The fire is currently being investigated by the police, a public inquiry, and coroner's inquests. Among the issues being investigated are the management of the building by Kensington and Chelsea London Borough Council and Kensington and Chelsea TMO (Tenant Management Organisation, which was responsible for the borough's council housing) and the responses of London Fire Brigade, the council and other government agencies. In the aftermath of the fire, the council's leader, deputy leader and chief executive resigned, and the council took direct control of council housing from the TMO. The national government commissioned an independent review of building regulations and fire safety, which published a report in May 2018. Across the UK and in some other countries, local governments have investigated other tower blocks to find others that have similar cladding. Efforts to replace the cladding on these buildings are ongoing.
The Grenfell Tower Inquiry began on 14 September 2017 to investigate the causes of the fire and other related issues. Findings from the first report of the inquiry were released in October 2019 and addressed the events of the night. It affirmed that the exterior did not comply with building regulations and was the central reason why the fire spread, and that the fire service were too late in advising residents to evacuate. A second phase to investigate the broader causes began in 2020.
Short-term
{{wide image|Grenfell Tower fire smoke plume-cropped.jpg|750px|A smoke trail was visible across London, stretching several miles east}}
The fire's proximity to Latimer Road Underground station caused a partial closure of London Underground's Hammersmith & City and Circle lines.{{cite web|url=https://tfl.gov.uk/tube-dlr-overground/status/#line-lul-circle|title=Tube, Overground, TfL Rail, DLR & Tram status updates|website=Transport for London|access-date=14 June 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170614071906/https://tfl.gov.uk/tube-dlr-overground/status|archive-date=14 June 2017}} The A40 Westway was closed in both directions.{{cite news|last1=Hunt |first1=Elle |title=London fire: fears of people trapped as major blaze engulfs tower block – latest |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/live/2017/jun/14/grenfell-tower-major-fire-london-apartment-block-white-city-latimer-road |access-date=14 June 2017 |work=The Guardian |date=13 June 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170614024104/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/live/2017/jun/14/grenfell-tower-major-fire-london-apartment-block-white-city-latimer-road |archive-date=14 June 2017}} Live coverage, frequently updated. Bus routes were diverted.{{cite web|url=https://tfl.gov.uk/campaign/major-fire-in-west-london|title=Major fire in west London|publisher=Transport for London|access-date=14 June 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170614144637/https://tfl.gov.uk/campaign/major-fire-in-west-london|archive-date=14 June 2017}} Services on the Hammersmith & City, and Circle lines were again suspended on 17 June 2017 due to concerns regarding falling debris.{{cite news|url=http://metro.co.uk/2017/06/17/tube-lines-suspended-amid-grenfell-tower-safety-concerns-6715579 |title=Tube lines suspended amid Grenfell Tower safety concerns |first=Harley |last=Tamplin |publisher=Associated Newspapers |work=Metro.co.uk |access-date=17 June 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170617135340/http://metro.co.uk/2017/06/17/tube-lines-suspended-amid-grenfell-tower-safety-concerns-6715579/ |archive-date=17 June 2017 }}
A total of 151 homes were destroyed in the tower and surrounding area.{{cite web |title=How the tragedy unfolded at Grenfell Tower |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-40272168 |website=BBC News |accessdate=15 June 2020 |date=18 May 2018}} People from surrounding buildings were evacuated due to concerns that the tower might collapse.{{cite news|title=London fire: Six killed as Grenfell Tower engulfed |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-40269625 |access-date=14 June 2017 |work=BBC News |date=14 June 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170614051344/http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-40269625 |archive-date=14 June 2017 }}
The Kensington Aldridge Academy, at the base of Grenfell Tower and inside the police cordon, was closed for more than a year after the fire. Students were temporarily relocated to different local schools for lessons, GCSE and A-Level exams.*{{cite web |url=http://www.kensingtonaldridgeacademy.co.uk |title=Kensington Aldridge Academy |website=Kensingtonaldridgeacademy.co.uk |language=en-US |access-date=17 June 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170616145203/http://www.kensingtonaldridgeacademy.co.uk/ |archive-date=16 June 2017 }}
- {{cite web |url=http://www.kensingtonaldridgeacademy.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Parent-Letter-16th-June-FINAL.pdf |title=KAA Letter to Parents Re Grenfell Tower Fire |date=2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170620104832/http://www.kensingtonaldridgeacademy.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Parent-Letter-16th-June-FINAL.pdf |archive-date=20 June 2017 |url-status=dead |access-date=17 June 2017 }}
On the morning of the fire, 56 students attended a maths exam. By 18 September 2017, a temporary school in Scrubs Lane had been built by Portakabin in 12 weeks.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-45569300/grenfell-back-to-the-school | title=Grenfell: Back to the school|date=19 September 2018|work=BBC|access-date=19 September 2018|language=en-GB}}{{cite news |first=Sally |last=Weale |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/oct/06/fastest-school-ever-built-opens-for-pupils-displaced-by-grenfell-tower-fire |title='Fastest school ever built' opens for pupils displaced by Grenfell Tower fire |newspaper=The Guardian |date=6 October 2017 }} The school had returned to its original site by 6 September 2018.
The City of London cancelled the annual Mansion House Dinner, hosted by the Lord Mayor of London due to take place the day after the fire. Philip Hammond, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, had been due to address the event, but had said he would not do so following the fire.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-40288358|title=City cancels Mansion House dinner after tower tragedy|work=BBC News|publisher=BBC|date=15 June 2017|access-date=16 June 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170615230935/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-40288358|archive-date=15 June 2017}}
The fire also severely affected three low-rise "finger blocks" adjoining Grenfell Tower. Their residents were evacuated due to the fire. The blocks, Barandon Walk, Testerton Walk and Hurstway Walk, also lost access to hot water as they shared a boiler beneath Grenfell Tower that was destroyed in the fire.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/jul/02/grenfell-tower-residents-nearby-will-not-have-to-pay-rent-says-council|title=Residents near Grenfell Tower will not have to pay rent, says council|last=Siddique|first=Haroon|work=The Observer|date=2 July 2017|access-date=2 July 2017}} On 22 October 2018, James Brokenshire published a written reply to Parliament indicating that many of the households affected were still in temporary accommodation and required rehousing.{{Cite news|url= https://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-question/Commons/2018-10-11/178242/ |title= Grenfell Tower: Fires:Written question - 178242|last=Brokenshire|first=James|date=22 October 2018|work=UK Parliament|access-date=28 November 2018|language=en-GB}}
Community response
File:Grenfell Tower tribute wall.jpg
File:Sorting donations for Grenfell Tower fire victims.jpg
File:Grenfell Tower fire memorials in May 2018 01.jpg
People in the immediate area and from across London rallied to assist victims of the fire.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/06/14/community-centres-churches-overwhelmed-donations-grenfell-tower|title='It's Blitz spirit': Community centres and churches overwhelmed with donations for Grenfell Tower residents|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=14 June 2017|access-date=16 June 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170616003933/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/06/14/community-centres-churches-overwhelmed-donations-grenfell-tower|archive-date=16 June 2017|last1=Sawer|first1=Patrick}} Donations of food, water, toys, and clothes were made.{{cite news|url=http://metro.co.uk/2017/06/14/how-people-are-helping-those-affected-by-the-grenfell-tower-fire-6707095|title=How people are helping those affected by the Grenfell Tower fire|first=Nicole |last=Morley|work=Metro.co.uk|publisher=Associated Newspapers|access-date=14 June 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170614092110/http://metro.co.uk/2017/06/14/how-people-are-helping-those-affected-by-the-grenfell-tower-fire-6707095|archive-date=14 June 2017}} St Clement's Church, Treadgold Street and St James' Church, Norlands, in the Deanery of Kensington, provided shelter for people evacuated from their homes, as did nearby mosques and temples.{{cite news|title=Mosques are opening their doors to residents evacuated due to huge London tower blockfire|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/london-fire-help-mosques-churches-temples-grenfell-tower-injured-safe-how-to-a7789281.html|access-date=16 June 2017|work=The Independent |date=14 June 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170614130500/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/london-fire-help-mosques-churches-temples-grenfell-tower-injured-safe-how-to-a7789281.html|archive-date=14 June 2017}}
Several churches on Notting Hill participated in relief funding. The Methodist Church near Grenfell tower became a focus of tributes and held regular vigils for the victims.{{Cite news|url=http://www.nottinghillmethodistchurch.org/|title=The Grenfell Tower fire|date=19 July 2017|work=NHMC|access-date=10 August 2017|language=en-GB}} St Sava's parish offered hall space and raised £2700 for the victims.{{cite web |date=2017-07-10 |author=Urednik |title=St Sava’s parish raises £2700 for victims of Grenfell Tower: Warm-hearted parishioners at St Sava’s in London have reacted to the plight of victims of the Grenfell Tower fire with generosity |url=https://www.britic.co.uk/2017/07/10/st-savas-parish-raises-over-%c2%a32700-for-victims-of-grenfell-tower |website=Бritić: The British Serb Archive |archive-date=2025-03-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250321144739/https://www.britic.co.uk/2017/07/10/st-savas-parish-raises-over-%C2%A32700-for-victims-of-grenfell-tower}}
Nearby Queens Park Rangers F.C. offered their Loftus Road venue as a relief centre and accepted donations of food, drink and clothing from the local community, and other nearby football clubs Brentford and Fulham also offered their stadiums as relief centres.{{cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11711/10915155/grenfell-tower-fire-victims-offered-loftus-road-as-relief-centre-by-qpr-owner-tony-fernandes|title=Grenfell Tower fire victims offered Loftus Road as relief centre by QPR owner Tony Fernandes|date=14 June 2017 |work=Sky Sports|publisher=Sky|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170614143505/http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11711/10915155/grenfell-tower-fire-victims-offered-loftus-road-as-relief-centre-by-qpr-owner-tony-fernandes|archive-date=14 June 2017}}
Government response
The Prime Minister, Theresa May, said she was saddened and called for a cross-government meeting, and a meeting with the Civil Contingencies Secretariat.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/grenfell-tower-fire-theresa-may-emergency-meeting-london-kensington-blaze-fall-out-uk-prime-minister-a7789396.html|title=Grenfell Tower fire: Theresa May orders emergency meeting to tackle fallout from deadly blaze|first=Joe|last=Watts|work=The Independent|date=14 June 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170614130902/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/grenfell-tower-fire-theresa-may-emergency-meeting-london-kensington-blaze-fall-out-uk-prime-minister-a7789396.html|archive-date=14 June 2017}}
May made a private visit to Grenfell Tower to speak with London Fire Brigade commissioner Dany Cotton and other members of the emergency services, though not with any survivors.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-40291227|title=London fire: Prime minister orders full public inquiry|work=BBC News|access-date=15 June 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170615173837/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-40291227|archive-date=15 June 2017}} Following this, she announced a full public inquiry into the fire. On the same day, the government issued information including details of a dedicated benefits line and a fund to support the survivors.{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/guidance/grenfell-tower-fire-june-2017-support-for-people-affected |title=Grenfell Tower fire: support for people affected |website=Gov.uk|language=en |access-date=17 June 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170616204119/https://www.gov.uk/guidance/grenfell-tower-fire-june-2017-support-for-people-affected |archive-date=16 June 2017 }} The government confirmed Bellwin scheme financial assistance would be available to the council.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/bbclaurak/status/875394300028309505|title=Govt confirms Bellwin scheme, that releases extra cash for councils, will apply to help cope with aftermath of awful fire|last=Kuenssberg|first=Laura|date=15 June 2017|website=Twitter.com|access-date=15 June 2017}}
May made a visit to some of the victims at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/06/16/london-fire-latest-updates-grenfell-tower-fire-victims |title=Grenfell Tower latest: London fire death toll rises to 30 as anger grows over safety failings|work=The Telegraph|location=London, UK |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170616080549/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/06/16/london-fire-latest-updates-grenfell-tower-fire-victims|archive-date=16 June 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-40298473|title=London fire: Queen and Prince William visit Grenfell Tower centre|work=BBC News|access-date=16 June 2017|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170616051402/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-40298473|archive-date=16 June 2017}} On a second visit that day, May visited St Clement's Church which had been set up as a relief centre. From there she announced a £5 million fund for victims of the fire and promised that residents would be given new housing, as close to Grenfell Tower as possible, "as far as possible within the borough, or in neighbouring boroughs", within the next three weeks.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/grenfell-tower-fire-theresa-may-emergency-fund-money-victims-latest-news-a7794116.html|title=Theresa May announces £5m fund for Grenfell fire victims|access-date=16 June 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170616195953/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/grenfell-tower-fire-theresa-may-emergency-fund-money-victims-latest-news-a7794116.html|archive-date=16 June 2017}} Some people proceeded to shout "coward", "murderer" and "shame on you" at her. Minor scuffles broke out.{{cite news|url=http://metro.co.uk/2017/06/16/angry-crowds-shout-coward-and-murderer-at-theresa-may-as-she-leaves-grenfell-tower-relief-centre-6714513|title=Angry crowds shout 'coward' and 'murderer' at Teresa May as she leaves Grenfell Tower relief centre|first=Richard|last=Hartley-Parkinson|publisher=Associated Newspapers|work=Metro.co.uk|access-date=16 June 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170616195617/http://metro.co.uk/2017/06/16/angry-crowds-shout-coward-and-murderer-at-theresa-may-as-she-leaves-grenfell-tower-relief-centre-6714513|archive-date=16 June 2017}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-40310533/theresa-may-heckled-by-angry-crowds|title=Theresa May heckled by angry crowds|work=BBC News|access-date=16 June 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170616213604/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-40310533/theresa-may-heckled-by-angry-crowds|archive-date=16 June 2017}}
On 18 June 2017, an announcement followed that all those made homeless would receive £5,500, with each household to be given at least £500 in cash and £5,000 paid into an account.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-40320459 |title=London fire: Sadiq Khan says tragedy caused by years of neglect |date=18 June 2017 |work=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=18 June 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170618135504/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-40320459 |archive-date=18 June 2017 }}
The government also announced details of how the £5 million fund would be spent. This included funds to support people in temporary accommodation, a discretionary fund to help with funeral costs, and funding to help with residents' legal representation. An extra £1.5 million was promised for emergency services' mental health support.
The same day, Theresa May said in the House of Commons that there had been a "failure of the state – local and national – to help people when they needed it most", adding, "As Prime Minister, I apologise for that failure. As Prime Minister I have taken responsibility for doing what we can to put things right. That is why each family whose home was destroyed is receiving a down payment from the emergency fund so they can buy food, clothes and other essentials. And all those who have lost their homes will be rehoused within three weeks."{{Cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/grenfell-tower-fire-theresa-may-apology-response-government-failure-state-latest-news-a7801246.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170621181039/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/grenfell-tower-fire-theresa-may-apology-response-government-failure-state-latest-news-a7801246.html |archive-date=2017-06-21 |url-access=limited |url-status=live|title=Grenfell Tower fire: Theresa May apologises for 'failure of the state' after widely criticised response|date=21 June 2017|work=Independent|access-date=8 June 2018|language=en-GB}}
A national minute's silence was held at 11.00am on 19 June 2017.{{cite news|first1=Caroline |last1=Davies |first2=Owen |last2=Bowcott |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/jun/19/grenfell-tower-fire-death-toll-rises-to-79-police-say |title=Grenfell Tower fire: death toll raised to 79 as minute's silence held |work=The Guardian |date=19 June 2017 |access-date=19 June 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170619114137/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/jun/19/grenfell-tower-fire-death-toll-rises-to-79-police-say |archive-date=19 June 2017 }}
On 22 June 2017, Theresa May stated in the House of Commons that anyone affected by the tragedy, regardless of their immigration status, would be entitled to support, including healthcare services and accommodation.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/blog/live/2017/jun/22/hammond-suggests-brexit-transitional-period-could-last-up-to-four-years-politics-live|title=Grenfell fire: a number of tower blocks have same flammable cladding, says Theresa May – Politics live|first=Andrew|last=Sparrow|date=22 June 2017|publisher=|access-date=22 June 2017|work=The Guardian}} See also the live blog's [https://www.theguardian.com/politics/blog/live/2017/jun/22/hammond-suggests-brexit-transitional-period-could-last-up-to-four-years-politics-live 10:01 update]. No immigration checks would be performed on those affected. (Two weeks later the government said that anyone coming forward would be subject to normal immigration rules, including the possibility of deportation, after twelve months.{{cite news|title=Grenfell Tower survivors could be deported in 12 months despite government immigration amnesty|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/grenfell-tower-deported-immigration-amnesty-survivors-12-months-government-latest-a7825481.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705211635/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/grenfell-tower-deported-immigration-amnesty-survivors-12-months-government-latest-a7825481.html |archive-date=2017-07-05 |url-access=limited |url-status=live|work=The Independent|date=5 July 2017|access-date=8 July 2017}}) May added that it was important for those receiving payments from the fund to understand that they could keep the money – they would not have to pay it back, and it would not impact their entitlement to any other benefits.
May said that further residential buildings with flammable cladding of the type used in Grenfell Tower had been identified.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/blog/live/2017/jun/22/hammond-suggests-brexit-transitional-period-could-last-up-to-four-years-politics-live|title=Grenfell fire: a number of tower blocks have same flammable cladding, says Theresa May – Politics live|first=Andrew|last=Sparrow|date=22 June 2017|access-date=22 June 2017|work=The Guardian}}
In August 2017, it was announced that the Kensington and Chelsea TMO (KCTMO) would no longer manage the Lancaster Estate containing Grenfell Tower, which would come under direct council control.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/08/23/grenfell-management-company-stripped-responsibility-estate/ |title=Grenfell management company stripped of responsibility for estate |newspaper=Daily Telegraph |date=23 August 2017 |access-date=23 August 2017}} The next month, it was announced that the contract with KCTMO to maintain social housing in the borough had been terminated.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-41422255 |title=Grenfell Tower firm has housing contract terminated |work=BBC News Online |access-date=28 September 2017}}
Grenfell Fire Response Team (GRT)
On 15 June, the Council invoked the help of other London boroughs to support the survivors. Some claimed that the initial response to the disaster
- {{Cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/emergency-taskforce-takes-over-grenfell-tower-relief-criticism-chaotic-kensington-council-a7796266.html |title=Labour-led council takes over centre for homeless Grenfell families from 'chaotic' Kensington Council |date=18 June 2017 |work=The Independent |access-date=21 June 2017 |language=en-GB |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170618201727/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/emergency-taskforce-takes-over-grenfell-tower-relief-criticism-chaotic-kensington-council-a7796266.html |archive-date=18 June 2017 }}
- {{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/jun/21/victims-advocate-role-created-in-response-to-grenfell-fire |title=Grenfell Tower: May apologises for 'failures of state, local and national' |last=Davies |first=Caroline |date=21 June 2017 |work=The Guardian |access-date=21 June 2017 |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170621141855/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/jun/21/victims-advocate-role-created-in-response-to-grenfell-fire |archive-date=21 June 2017 }} had been inadequate but O'Hagan's investigation contradicts this description.{{cite news |last1=Andrew O'Hagan |title=The Tower |url=https://www.lrb.co.uk/v40/n11/andrew-ohagan/the-tower#group-vii-the-facts-OZquhAFU7Q |access-date=7 June 2018 |work=London Review of Books |date=7 June 2018}}
Responsibility was handed over to the Grenfell Fire Response Team (GRT) led by a group of chief executives from councils across London. John Barradell, City of London Corporation chief executive, is leading the response team.{{cite web|url=http://www.publicfinance.co.uk/news/2017/06/government-staff-take-over-response-grenfell-tower-tragedy|title=Whitehall and other London councils take over Grenfell tower response – Public Finance|website=Publicfinance.co.uk|access-date=22 June 2017}} Resources available to them include: central government, the British Red Cross, the Metropolitan Police, the London Fire Brigade and local government in London. Neighbouring councils sent in staff to improve the rehousing response.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/jun/18/council-leader-nick-paget-brown-grenfell-tower-response |title=Council sidelined in Grenfell Tower response as leader refuses to quit |last=Macaskill |first=Ewen |newspaper=The Observer |date=18 June 2017 |access-date=19 June 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170618193611/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/jun/18/council-leader-nick-paget-brown-grenfell-tower-response |archive-date=18 June 2017 }}{{cite news |url=https://www.ft.com/content/cb002c7a-5419-11e7-9fed-c19e2700005f |title=Kensington council sidelined after faltering Grenfell relief effort |author=Chloe Cornish, Andrew Jack |newspaper=Financial Times |date=18 June 2017 |access-date=19 June 2017}}
The government also announced that they would send in a task force to take over some of Kensington and Chelsea London Borough Council's functions when the GRT is gradually wound down. This move from the government stops short of demands from the London mayor, who called for ministers to appoint external commissioners to take over the running of the whole council.{{cite news|title=Government taskforce to take over parts of Kensington council after fatal blaze|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/grenfell-tower-fire-kensington-council-government-taskforce-theresa-may-tory-rehousing-safety-a7824256.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705112106/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/grenfell-tower-fire-kensington-council-government-taskforce-theresa-may-tory-rehousing-safety-a7824256.html |archive-date=2017-07-05 |url-access=limited |url-status=live|newspaper=Independent|date=5 July 2017}}
Other reactions
=14 June=
File:Grenfell Flowers (35220521981).jpg
The Grenfell Action Group posting a message on its website that highlighted their earlier warnings:{{Blockquote|Regular readers of this blog will know that we have posted numerous warnings in recent years about the very poor fire safety standards at Grenfell Tower and elsewhere in RBKC. ALL OUR WARNINGS FELL ON DEAF EARS and we predicted that a catastrophe like this was inevitable and just a matter of time.{{cite news|title=Grenfell Tower Fire|url=https://grenfellactiongroup.wordpress.com/2017/06/14/grenfell-tower-fire|access-date=14 June 2017|work=Grenfell Action Group|date=14 June 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170614070841/https://grenfellactiongroup.wordpress.com/2017/06/14/grenfell-tower-fire/ |archive-date=14 June 2017}}{{cite news|title=Residents warned of 'catastrophic' Grenfell Tower block fire three years ago – but pleas 'fell on deaf ears'|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/06/14/grenfell-tower-residents-warned-catastrophic-fire-three-years|access-date=17 June 2017 |work=The Telegraph|agency=Press Association|date=14 June 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170615222908/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/06/14/grenfell-tower-residents-warned-catastrophic-fire-three-years|archive-date=15 June 2017}}}}
The Queen said that her thoughts and prayers were with the affected families. The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan issued a statement saying he was devastated and also praising the emergency services on the scene.{{cite web|url=https://www.london.gov.uk/press-releases/mayoral/statement-on-grenfell-tower-in-kensington|title=Mayor of London's latest statement on major fire at Grenfell Tower|date=14 June 2017|publisher=Mayor of London |access-date=14 June 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170614125525/https://www.london.gov.uk/press-releases/mayoral/statement-on-grenfell-tower-in-kensington|archive-date=14 June 2017}} Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn praised the emergency services for their actions, but said that questions needed to be answered about the fire and that land would have to be appropriated from the surrounding region.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-40276900|title=Labour demands answers over Grenfell Tower fire tragedy|work=BBC News|date=14 June 2017|access-date=14 June 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170614224414/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-40276900|archive-date=14 June 2017}} The Bishop of Kensington, Graham Tomlin, went to the site fire in the morning and counselled firefighters moving in and out of the building. In the afternoon, he spent his time with survivors and also helped collect charity donations in various churches around his parish.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/live/2017/jun/14/grenfell-tower-major-fire-london-apartment-block-white-city-latimer-road|title=Met confirms 17 dead with further fatalities expected from Grenfell blaze – as it happened|date=14 June 2017|work=The Guardian|access-date=31 August 2017|language=en-GB}}
=16 June=
File:Westway Sports Centre - geograph.org.uk - 420156.jpg
The Queen and Prince William visited the Westway Sports Centre, where a relief centre had been set up to help the victims of the fire.
Jeremy Corbyn visited a nearby community centre and spoke to some of the volunteers who were helping those affected by the fire.{{cite web|url=https://news.sky.com/story/grenfell-tower-anger-grows-over-fire-amid-fears-death-toll-could-soar-10917045|title=Grenfell Tower: Police hope fire death toll 'not triple figures'|work=Sky News|access-date=16 June 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170616054312/https://news.sky.com/story/grenfell-tower-anger-grows-over-fire-amid-fears-death-toll-could-soar-10917045|archive-date=16 June 2017}} He called for private property to be "requisitioned if necessary", to provide homes for those displaced by the fire, referring to the large number of empty properties in Kensington.{{cite news|title=London fire: Corbyn calls for empty flats to be requisitioned|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-40285994|access-date=16 June 2017|work=BBC News|publisher=BBC|date=16 May 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170616081202/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-40285994|archive-date=16 June 2017}} This proposal was characterised by The Telegraph as unlawful.{{cite news|last1=Lilico|first1=Andrew|title=Jeremy Corbyn's call to seize rich people's houses for Grenfell victims shows his true, disturbing nature|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/06/16/jeremy-corbyns-call-seize-rich-peoples-houses-grenfell-victims|access-date=16 June 2017|work=The Telegraph|publisher=Telegraph Media Group}} In a survey, 59% of those polled by YouGov supported Corbyn's proposal.{{cite news|title=Survey Results|url=https://yougov.co.uk/opi/surveys/results#/survey/c9858cf0-527a-11e7-86f0-4e52bfafa255|access-date=16 June 2017|publisher=YouGov|date=16 June 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170615201342/https://yougov.co.uk/opi/surveys/results|archive-date=15 June 2017}}
During the afternoon of 16 June 2017, hundreds of people protested at Kensington Town Hall, demanding that victims be rehoused within the borough and that funds be made available for those rendered homeless.
- {{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/06/16/london-fire-latest-updates-grenfell-tower-fire-victims|title=Grenfell Tower latest: Angry protesters storm Kensington Town Hall as angry crowd chases Theresa May's car|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=16 June 2017|access-date=16 June 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170616080549/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/06/16/london-fire-latest-updates-grenfell-tower-fire-victims|archive-date=16 June 2017|last1=Henderson|first1=Barney|last2=Boyle|first2=Danny|last3=Horton|first3=Helena}}
- {{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/live/2017/jun/16/grenfell-tower-fire-london-police-criminal-investigation-into-tragedy-latest-updates|title=Grenfell Tower fire: protesters march as anger mounts over disaster response – live|date=16 June 2017|work=The Guardian|access-date=17 June 2017|issn=0261-3077|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170616184949/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/live/2017/jun/16/grenfell-tower-fire-london-police-criminal-investigation-into-tragedy-latest-updates|archive-date=16 June 2017}} The actions of some protesters caused a number of council officials to be evacuated from the Town Hall.
- {{cite news|url=http://metro.co.uk/2017/06/16/grenfell-tower-protesters-turn-on-kensington-council-staff-trying-to-leave-offices-6714413/|title=Grenfell Tower protesters turn on Kensington council staff trying to leave offices|work=Metro.co.uk|publisher=Associated Newspapers}}
- [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-england-london-40239008 BBC Live Report] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170614063120/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-england-london-40239008|date=14 June 2017}}
=17 June=
On her Official Birthday, the Queen released a statement in which she said it was "difficult to escape a very sombre national mood" following the Grenfell Tower fire, and terrorist attacks in London and Manchester shortly before.
- {{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-40310959|title=London fire: Queen reflects on 'sombre national mood' |work=BBC News |date=17 June 2017 |access-date=17 June 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170617123635/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-40310959 |archive-date=17 June 2017 }}
- {{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/06/17/queenprofoundly-struck-nation-rallying-face-terrible-tragedy/|title=Queen 'profoundly struck' by nation rallying in face of 'terrible tragedy'|work=The Telegraph|date=17 June 2017|access-date=17 June 2017|last1=Furness|first1=Hannah}} She led a minute's silence at the annual Trooping the Colour ceremony held at Horse Guards Parade.{{cite news|url=https://www.itv.com/news/2017-06-17/minutes-silence-held-for-grenfell-tower-block-victims-at-trooping-the-colour-for-queens-official-birthday |title=Minute's silence for Grenfell Tower victims at Trooping the Colour for Queen's official birthday |work=ITV News |publisher=ITV |access-date=17 June 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170617123429/https://www.itv.com/news/2017-06-17/minutes-silence-held-for-grenfell-tower-block-victims-at-trooping-the-colour-for-queens-official-birthday/ |archive-date=17 June 2017 }}
May met with victims at 10 Downing Street.{{cite news|last=Masters |first=James |url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/06/17/europe/grenfell-tower-fire/index.html |title=London fire: Theresa May meets with victims at Downing Street |publisher=CNN |access-date=17 June 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170617103348/http://www.cnn.com/2017/06/17/europe/grenfell-tower-fire/index.html |archive-date=17 June 2017 }} BBC Two cancelled transmission of the documentary Venice Biennale: Sink or Swim, scheduled for 7.30pm that evening, as it features artist Khadija Saye, who was killed in the fire,{{cite news|first=Patrick|last=Grafton-Green|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/bbc-pulls-documentary-featuring-grenfell-tower-fire-victim-a3567346.html|title=BBC pulls documentary featuring Grenfell Tower fire victim|newspaper=London Evening Standard|access-date=17 June 2017}} and BBC One rescheduled an edition of its new series Pitch Battle because the programme contained themes and song lyrics deemed to be inappropriate so soon after the fire.{{cite magazine|first=Sarah |last=Doran |url=http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2017-06-17/bbc-reschedules-first-episode-of-new-series-pitch-battle-following-london-fire-tragedy |title=London fire: BBC reschedule new series of Pitch Battle following Grenfell Tower tragedy |magazine=Radio Times |date=17 June 2017 |access-date=19 June 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170617120408/http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2017-06-17/bbc-reschedules-first-episode-of-new-series-pitch-battle-following-london-fire-tragedy |archive-date=17 June 2017 }}
=18 June=
Responsibility for managing the aftermath of the fire was removed from Kensington and Chelsea London Borough Council. It was transferred to a new body comprising representatives from central and other local London government, the London Fire Brigade, Metropolitan Police and Red Cross.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/jun/18/council-leader-nick-paget-brown-grenfell-tower-response |title=Council sidelined in Grenfell Tower response as leader refuses to quit |first=Ewan |last=McAskill |work=The Guardian |date=18 June 2017 |access-date=19 June 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170618193611/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/jun/18/council-leader-nick-paget-brown-grenfell-tower-response |archive-date=18 June 2017 }} Residents living near the tower, who had been evacuated and were also effectively homeless, accused the council's leadership of going into hiding. Some families reportedly returned home after being told that rehoming priorities were aimed at those who had lived in Grenfell Tower, amid confusion and uncertainty over whether their homes were safe.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/jun/18/we-think-they-are-hiding-locals-express-fury-at-council-over-grenfell-response |title='We think they are hiding': locals express fury at council over Grenfell response |first=Amelia |last=Gentleman |work=The Guardian |date=18 June 2017 |access-date=19 June 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170618220631/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/jun/18/we-think-they-are-hiding-locals-express-fury-at-council-over-grenfell-response |archive-date=18 June 2017 }}
=21 June=
The chief executive of Kensington and Chelsea London Borough Council, Nicholas Holgate, resigned. Holgate said he had been asked to leave by the local government secretary Sajid Javid; the government initially refuted this{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-40362317 |title=London fire: Kensington council boss quits over Grenfell tragedy |work=BBC |date=21 June 2017 |access-date=22 June 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170622155730/http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-40362317 |archive-date=22 June 2017 }} (Holgate was replaced by Lewisham Council CEO, Barry Quirk, on 22 June 2017).
=23 June=
The 2017 Glastonbury Festival opened with a minute's silence for the victims of the Grenfell tower fire and the Manchester Arena bombing, led by Peter Hook, co-founder of Manchester band Joy Division.{{cite web|url=http://www.irishnews.com/magazine/entertainment/2017/06/23/news/glastonbury-pays-tribute-to-victims-of-manchester-attack-and-grenfell-tower-fire-1065072/|title=Glastonbury pays tribute to victims of Manchester attack and Grenfell Tower fire|website=The Irish News|date=23 June 2017}} Camden London Borough Council ordered the evacuation of all 800 flats of the five blocks on the Chalcots Estate following an inspection of the cladding on the buildings.{{cite web |url=https://news.sky.com/story/camden-evacuates-tower-block-after-grenfell-fire-10925449 |title=800 Camden homes evacuated after Grenfell fire |first=Sharon |last=Marris |publisher=Sky News |access-date=23 June 2017}} Celotex Saint Gobain announced on its website that it was to stop the supply of RS5000 for use in rainscreen cladding systems in buildings over {{convert|18|m|ft}} tall.{{cite web|url=http://www.eadt.co.uk/news/suffolk-firm-celotex-based-in-hadleigh-halts-supplies-of-insulation-used-in-grenfell-tower-cladding-1-5076491|title=Suffolk firm Celotex halts supplies of insulation used in Grenfell Tower cladding as London flats evacuated over safety concerns|first=Henry|last=Vaughan|date=23 June 2017|publisher=}}
The Football Association announced that proceeds from the 2017 FA Community Shield match, between London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea, would be donated to support the victims.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/jun/23/community-shield-proceeds-grenfell-tower-fire-victims-arsenal-chelsea|title=Community Shield proceeds to go to Grenfell Tower fire victims|agency=Press Association|date=23 June 2017|work=The Guardian|access-date=3 August 2017|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}}
=30 June=
Conservative leader of Kensington and Chelsea London Borough Council, Nicholas Paget-Brown, announced his resignation.{{cite news|last1=Walker|first1=Peter|title=Kensington and Chelsea council leader quits in wake of Grenfell disaster|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/jun/30/kensington-and-chelsea-council-leader-nicholas-paget-brown-quits-in-wake-of-grenfell-disaster|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=24 June 2018|date=30 June 2017}}
Charity fundraising
Music producer Simon Cowell, a borough resident,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-40300269 |title=Simon Cowell to record Grenfell Tower charity single |work=BBC News |publisher=BBC |date=16 June 2017 |access-date=16 June 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170616141351/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-40300269 |archive-date=16 June 2017 }} arranged the recording of a charity single of Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge over Troubled Water" at nearby Sarm West Studios. More than fifty artists contributed to the single, which was released under the title Artists for Grenfell on 21 June 2017.{{cite news|url=https://news.sky.com/story/grenfell-tower-fire-charity-single-released-by-simon-cowell-10921906 |title=Grenfell Tower fire charity single released by Simon Cowell |publisher=Sky UK |work=Sky News |date=21 June 2017 |access-date=21 June 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170621103938/https://news.sky.com/story/grenfell-tower-fire-charity-single-released-by-simon-cowell-10921906 |archive-date=21 June 2017 }} It sold 120,000 copies in its first day, the highest volume of opening-day sales of the 2010s,{{cite magazine|first=Nick |last=Levine |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/grenfell-tower-charity-single-opening-day-sales-2091546 |title=Simon Cowell's Grenfell Tower charity single racks up huge opening day sales |magazine=NME |date=22 June 2017 |access-date=22 June 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170622165522/http://www.nme.com/news/music/grenfell-tower-charity-single-opening-day-sales-2091546 |archive-date=22 June 2017}} and reached number one on the UK Singles Chart on 23 June 2017.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-40381450|title=Simon Cowell's Grenfell single tops UK chart|work=BBC News|date=23 June 2017|publisher=}} The choir, conducted by Gareth Malone, included residents from Grenfell Tower.{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/grenfell-tower-fire-charity-single-choir-gareth-malone_uk_59479433e4b0f15cd5bc74e6 |title=TV Choirmaster Gareth Malone Leads Survivors Choir On Grenfell Tower Charity Single |date=19 June 2017 |access-date=21 June 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170619145515/http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/grenfell-tower-fire-charity-single-choir-gareth-malone_uk_59479433e4b0f15cd5bc74e6 |archive-date=19 June 2017 }}
On 2 September 2017, the Game 4 Grenfell football match took place to raise money for those affected. It was held at Loftus Road, the home ground of Queens Park Rangers and only a mile away from the tower. It featured a line-up of professional footballers, celebrities, firefighters and survivors.
On 17 September 2017, a benefit classical concert was held at Cadogan Hall, raising money for two charities liaising with Grenfell residents. Over 150 artists performed.
Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, worked with survivors of the fire to create Together: Our Community Cookbook to raise funds for the Hubb Community Kitchen that cooked meals for survivors.
Commemorations
File:Close-up of Grenfell Tower with banners in June 2018.jpg
On 14 June 2018, to mark the first anniversary:
- Grenfell Tower and other public buildings were illuminated green.{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/06/13/grenfell-tower-floodlit-green-mark-one-year-anniversary/ |title= Grenfell Tower floodlit green to mark one-year anniversary of fire as poignant vigil held|date=14 June 2018|work=Telegraph|access-date=14 June 2018|language=en-GB}}{{cite news |title=Grenfell Tower lit green marking first anniversary of fire |url=https://headlinestoday.org/international/919/grenfell-tower-lit-green-marking-first-anniversary-of-fire/ |access-date=14 June 2018 |agency=Headlines Today |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614121325/https://headlinestoday.org/international/919/grenfell-tower-lit-green-marking-first-anniversary-of-fire/ |archive-date=14 June 2018 |url-status=dead }}
- A national Moment of silence was held at noon for 72 seconds in remembrance of those who died in the fire.{{cite news|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-fire/silent-vigils-prayers-mark-one-year-since-londons-grenfell-fire-idUKKBN1J92X2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614121516/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-fire/silent-vigils-prayers-mark-one-year-since-londons-grenfell-fire-idUKKBN1J92X2 |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 June 2018 |access-date = 14 June 2018 |work = Reuters | date = 14 June 2018 | title = Silent vigils, prayers mark one year since London's Grenfell fire |language=en-GB}}
- The Grenfell Inquiry was suspended for the week to allow people to grieve and attend memorials.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/jun/13/grenfell-tower-24-hour-vigil-to-mark-anniversary-of-tragedy |title= Grenfell Tower memorial events mark one year after fire|date=14 June 2018|first = Harriet | last = Sherwood |work=The Guardian|access-date=14 June 2018|language=en-GB}}
British-Iraqi rapper and activist Lowkey released "Ghosts of Grenfell", a tribute song in response to the Grenfell tragedy and its effect on the local community, as part of his album Soundtrack of the Struggle.{{Citation|title=Lowkey on Grenfell what he and the community are going through|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bZ4hnBp2AA|language=en|access-date=2020-01-20}} In 2019, Chatto Books published a poetry collection by Jay Bernard entitled Surge, which read the Grenfell tragedy in relation to the New Cross fire and the Windrush Scandal.Sandeep Parmar, "[https://www.theguardian.com/books/2019/jul/06/surge-by-jay-bernard-review-the-painful-echoes-of-britains-black-radical-past Surge by Jay Bernard review – tragedy and solidarity]", The Guardian (6 July 2019).
In 2020, a virtual service remembering the 72 people who died was held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2020-06-14|title=Grenfell Tower fire tragedy third anniversary is being marked today|url=https://emeatribune.uk/grenfell-tower-fire-tragedy-third-anniversary-is-being-marked-today/|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614151256/https://emeatribune.uk/grenfell-tower-fire-tragedy-third-anniversary-is-being-marked-today/ |archive-date=14 June 2020 |access-date=2020-06-14|website=EMEA Tribune|language=en-US}}
Rehousing
Grenfell Tower had 129 flats but rehousing will require over 200 dwellings. This is due to multiple households asking to be rehoused in more than one dwelling, such as those with grandparents or grown-up children.{{cite news |last1=Andrew O'Hagan |title=The Tower |url=https://www.lrb.co.uk/v40/n11/andrew-ohagan/the-tower#group-vii-the-facts-OZquhAFU7Q |access-date=7 June 2018 |work=London Review of Books |date=7 June 2018 |quote='When we started,' she said, 'we thought we were rehousing 138 households; we are up to 210.' She said some families, previously living with grandmothers or grown-up children, now wanted separate flats. Ferrari challenged this: why wasn't the council simply replacing the lost flats with the same number?}}{{cite news |title=Grenfell mother staying in hotel fears for regressing son |url=http://www.itv.com/news/london/2018-04-13/grenfell-mother-staying-in-hotel-fears-for-regressing-son/ |access-date=7 June 2018 |work=itv |date=13 April 2018 |quote=The original 138 households have split into 211 households}}
{{as of|2018|June|13}}, there are 203 households of survivors from Grenfell Tower. Of these, 83 are living in a permanent home (up from 28 in October 2017),{{cite web |url=http://metro.co.uk/2017/11/06/grenfell-tower-response-branded-a-disgrace-as-only-26-of-203-families-are-living-in-permanent-homes-7056644/ |title=Grenfell Tower response branded a 'disgrace' as only 26 of 203 families are living in permanent homes |first=Martine |last=Berg Olsen |publisher=Associated Newspapers |work=Metro |date=6 November 2017 |access-date=6 November 2017}} and 101 have accepted an offer of a permanent home but not yet moved in. Of the 120 who are not in a permanent home, 52 are in temporary accommodation and 68 are in emergency accommodation (42 in hotels, 22 in serviced apartments and 4 with family or friends).{{cite web|url=https://fullfact.org/economy/how-many-households-have-been-rehoused-grenfell-tower-fire/|title=How many households have been rehoused since the Grenfell Tower fire?|publisher=Fullfact.org|date=13 June 2018|access-date=18 June 2018}} Out of the 129 households who were evacuated from the surrounding buildings, 38 have returned to their homes, one is in a permanent new home, 75 are in temporary accommodation and 15 are in emergency accommodation.
The government acquired 68 flats in a newly built development at Kensington Row{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-40357280 |title=London fire: Flats acquired for Grenfell Tower survivors |work=BBC News |publisher=BBC |date=21 June 2017 |access-date=21 June 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170621125415/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-40357280 |archive-date=21 June 2017 }}—in the same borough as Grenfell Tower, and about {{convert|1.5|mi|km}} from the Tower{{cite news|last1=Booth |first1=Robert |title=Grenfell Tower families to be rehoused in flats at luxury complex |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/jun/21/grenfell-tower-families-to-be-given-68-flats-in-luxury-apartment-complex |access-date=21 June 2017 |work=The Guardian |date=21 June 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170621134629/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/jun/21/grenfell-tower-families-to-be-given-68-flats-in-luxury-apartment-complex |archive-date=21 June 2017 }}—and 31 on Hortensia Road, Chelsea.{{cite web|title=Grenfell Tower|url=http://chelseasociety.org.uk/grenfell-tower/|website=Chelsea Society|date=18 June 2017|access-date=10 August 2017}} By December 2017, the council had purchased 250 homes to meet the requirements,{{cite news |last1=Robert Booth |last2=Kevin Rawlinson |last3=Holly Watt |title=Grenfell Tower: delays and trauma mark painfully slow progress |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/dec/14/grenfell-tower-delays-and-trauma-mark-painfully-slow-progress |access-date=7 June 2018 |work=The Guardian |date=14 December 2017 |quote=RBKC said it had bought over 250 homes to meet the backlog. It said it had made over 450 offers of different housing to around 200 households}} and by March 2018, 307 homes.{{cite news |title=Grenfell Tower: Council spends £21m keeping survivors in hotels |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-43458436 |access-date=7 June 2018 |work=BBC |date=20 March 2018 |quote=The council, Mr Smith said, used more than £235m of its reserves to buy 307 homes.}} Eight Grenfell families still remained in temporary accommodation by October 2019.Gregory, Julia (2019-10-23). [https://www.mylondon.news/news/west-london-news/grenfell-kensington-homeless-boris-johnson-17131649 8 Grenfell families are still living in temporary homes 27 months on from the disaster]. My London. Retrieved 2020-04-03.
See also
{{Portal|London}}
- Barking fire
- {{section link|Building regulations in the United Kingdom|Part B. Fire safety}}
- The Dalmarnock fire tests - A televised highrise fire-test, conducted in Scotland 2006
- Fire services in the United Kingdom
- Fire escape
- History of fire safety legislation in the United Kingdom
- King's Cross fire - The 1987 London fire that likewise spread upward due to the trench effect, where hot gases will adhere to nearby surfaces and inclined planes
- Skyscraper fire - List of notable tower block fires