The devastating Grenfell Tower fire that claimed the lives of 72 people on June 14, 2017, was the result of “decades of failure” by government and construction industry bodies, and the “systematic dishonesty” of building material firms, according to a damning final report released on Wednesday. The fire, which erupted in a faulty freezer on the fourth floor of the 24-storey west London block, spread rapidly due to highly combustible cladding fixed to the building’s exterior.
The inquiry, led by retired judge Martin Moore-Bick, marks the conclusion of a two-part investigation into Britain’s deadliest residential fire since World War II. Moore-Bick’s report highlights the tragic fact that all 72 deaths could have been avoided, attributing the disaster to significant lapses in safety and oversight.
“The victims of the Grenfell Tower fire were badly failed,” Moore-Bick stated, criticizing the “incompetence,” “dishonesty,” and “greed” of those involved in the construction and refurbishment of the building. The report criticizes both government bodies and influential organizations for their roles in the disaster, particularly pointing out flaws in the refurbishment process that led to the installation of dangerous cladding and insulation materials.
The report condemns the firms responsible for supplying rainscreen cladding panels and other insulation products, accusing them of “systematic dishonesty.” It claims these companies engaged in strategies to manipulate testing processes, misrepresent test data, and mislead the market about the safety of their products.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer responded to the findings by pledging that the government would carefully review the report’s recommendations to prevent such a tragedy from happening again. “The Government will ensure that such a tragedy cannot occur again,” Starmer said in a written statement to Parliament.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) also faces severe criticism in the report. Senior officers are described as “complacent,” with the report highlighting the service’s failure to address the growing risks associated with cladding materials. The LFB did not adequately incorporate this danger into its training and operational protocols, nor did it learn from previous incidents, such as a fire in 2009, which should have prompted a reassessment of its high-rise fire-fighting capabilities.
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The report also criticizes the “stay-put” advice given to residents during the fire, which resulted in many being trapped in their flats. This guidance, which has since been revised, led to some victims, including entire families, becoming trapped and unable to escape. Among the victims were Abdulaziz El-Wahabi, his wife Faouzia, and their three children, who perished on the 21st floor. Their deaths, along with those of a stillborn child and six-month-old Leena Belkadi, are cited as particularly poignant examples of the disaster’s human cost.
The aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire has left many residents in buildings with similar cladding living in fear of a repeat tragedy. Homeowners have faced financial hardships as their properties became unsellable. In response, the Conservative government announced in 2022 that developers would contribute more to the cost of removing dangerous cladding, though challenges remain. A recent fire in Dagenham, east London, highlighted ongoing risks, with over 80 people evacuated from a building where cladding removal work was incomplete.
Bereaved families and survivors of the Grenfell disaster have expressed hopes that the report will lead to justice, including potential criminal charges for those deemed responsible. Sandra Ruiz, who lost her 12-year-old niece Jessica Urbano Ramirez, stated, “For me, there’s no justice without people going behind bars.”
The Metropolitan Police, however, has indicated that its investigation will not conclude until the end of 2025, with a further year required for prosecutors to determine whether charges will be brought. Former Grenfell resident Edward Daffarn has called for a quicker response, emphasizing that the report should serve as a catalyst for immediate action.
The final inquiry report stands as a critical reflection on the failures that led to the Grenfell Tower fire, calling for comprehensive reforms to prevent future tragedies and ensure justice for the victims and their families.
