Today (30 October 2020), one year on from the publication of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s phase 1 report, the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has warned that action is needed if the government is to learn the lessons of the tragedy at Grenfell.
Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said:
“One year ago, the Prime Minister vowed not to allow the lessons of the tragedy at Grenfell to fall through the cracks. But today he stands at risk of doing just that.
“While the government has finally brought forward much needed legislation to tackle the building safety crisis, they have woefully failed to provide the funding needed to make a real difference, consigning people to a life of misery in deadly homes that they can neither sell nor afford to make safe. Worryingly, the government’s Building Safety Bill could see further privatisation of the sort that saw Grenfell turned into a death trap.
“The report from the first phase of the inquiry had a number of recommendations requiring significant changes to the London Fire Brigade. Yet today, the very fire and rescue service at the epicentre of the building safety crisis is facing £20m of cuts – and the Prime Minister has so far failed to step in and help stop them.
“Grenfell remains a trauma etched in the minds of firefighters and residents alike. Today, we remember the 72 lives lost and send our continued sympathies to their families. But we also demand action from government – we will not allow them to duck their responsibility to provide safe homes for residents and justice for the Grenfell community.
“Public safety can’t afford more cuts. We need adequate funding for building safety and for the fire and rescue service.”
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