Final Inquiry Report Into UK's Grenfell Tower Fire Published

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Facts

  • The UK's six-year public inquiry into the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire has published its final 1.7K-page report, concluding all 72 deaths to have been 'avoidable' and attributing failures to 'incompetence' as well as 'dishonesty and greed.'[1]
  • The report, chaired by Sir Martin Moore-Bick, states that following 1991's Knowsley Heights fire, there were 'many opportunities' for governments to identify the risks of combustible cladding and insulation, with 'numerous warnings' concerning these products from 2012-2017.[2]
  • The report accuses the Building Research Establishment of 'unprofessional conduct' and 'inadequate practices' despite its reputation as a 'leader in fire safety' and alleges companies selling cladding and insulation took part in 'systematic dishonesty' and 'deliberate and sustained' manipulation of testing processes.[2]
  • Cladding and insulation companies Arconic, Celotex, and Kingspan, architects Studio E, building companies Rydon and Harley Facades, and the Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation are among those named as also bearing responsibility. Arconi has denied the report's findings, claiming that it didn't sell dangerous products.[3][4]
  • The London Fire Brigade (LFB) is also accused of 'fail[ing] to heed warnings' following the Lakanal House fire in 2009, citing 'shortcomings' in its ability to combat high-rise fires.[5][6]
  • The report recommends, among other measures, a single regulator and secretary of state for the construction industry, revised statutory guidance including compulsory fire safety strategies, and a mandatory licensing scheme for contractors undertaking high-risk construction.[7]

Sources: [1]BBC News, [2]Grenfelltowerinquiry (a), [3]Guardian, [4]The Telegraph, [5]Independent, [6]The Herald and [7]Grenfelltowerinquiry (b).

Narratives

  • Narrative A, as provided by Guardian. From state officials to private contractors, the inquiry's damning report leaves no doubt that all corners of the construction industry are to blame. Now, the full weight of the law must be used against those whose corruption and incompetence allowed this avoidable tragedy to occur.
  • Narrative B, as provided by Canary. The Grenfell report fails to acknowledge the elephant in the room. Recommendations of regulatory reform will do nothing to solve the institutional racism and classism that have allowed decades of neglect towards communities such as Grenfell's to go unnoticed.