Grenfell Tower fire aftermath: Seven years of ignored safety regulations

The Grenfell Tower fire in London in 2017 resulted in the tragic deaths of 72 individuals, which an official report deemed avoidable. British Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner acknowledged ongoing fire safety issues, stating that she could not guarantee the safety of homes across the UK. Despite efforts, only 29% of the 4,630 buildings identified with dangerous cladding have had it removed, with work ongoing on another 50%. Rayner expressed astonishment at the number of buildings where no remediation work has begun. The government has committed an additional $6.6 billion to assist in the removal of unsafe cladding, which has been a significant concern for both public and private housing developers. The urgency of the situation was highlighted by a recent fire in a building where cladding removal was underway, emphasizing the risks faced by residents. Rayner promised to expedite remediation efforts but could not provide a timeline for when families could feel secure in their homes. Survivors and families of victims have expressed frustration over the lengthy inquiry process, which has delayed potential criminal prosecutions against those responsible for the fire. The Grenfell Next of Kin group criticized the inquiry's impact on justice, arguing that it has created barriers to holding individuals accountable for the tragedy. Rayner's administration plans to respond to the inquiry's 58 recommendations within six months, aiming to prioritize safety over profit. The ongoing situation reflects a broader issue of regulatory failures in building safety, which must be addressed to prevent future tragedies.