We can call it ‘failure’ in the system, by government, regulators, and the companies and individuals who didn’t keep the Tower and the people who lived there safe.
But I’d rather say it as it is. It was serial incompetence and negligence, blatant dishonesty and greed – going back decades in some cases – which brought the loss of 72 innocent lives.
Only by calling out – and cutting out – this rot in the system will we achieve lasting change. It’s what the country needs and for government, and me, it couldn’t be more important.
We all read the appalling details laid bare last autumn in the final report from Sir Martin Moore Bick’s Grenfell Tower Inquiry.
It found that every single loss of life was avoidable and I’m intent on making sure there is never again a tragedy like this.
Grenfell must be the catalyst for further change. We are going beyond the recommendations and pushing on with far-reaching construction, building and fire safety reforms. Changing ourselves too - the department I run was fiercely criticised for its ‘complacent’ and ‘defensive’ attitude to fire safety.
Because we know that to have anyone, anywhere, living in an unsafe home is one person too many.
Having grown up on a council estate, I know the importance of feeling secure in your home and trusting the people running it. Residents of Grenfell Tower had neither.
I have confirmed that the government accepts the findings of the Report and will take forward its 58 recommendations.
That means putting people, and their needs, front and centre – adding to tougher laws already brought in since the 2017 tragedy to fix the building safety crisis.
Our priorities are to protect the interests of residents and make sure industry builds homes that are safe and high quality.
The new Building Safety Regulator will have real teeth, consolidating functions to ensure clear safety standards and holding those responsible to account. No more passing the buck.
We will not tolerate businesses that cut corners on safety. Proposals include whether companies that put profit before people should face unlimited fines, and rogue executives who break the rules should go to prison.
The days of safety being an afterthought are over. And to ensure the strongest protections, we are tightening up safety testing to prevent dangerous materials from being used in homes ever again.
We will do whatever it takes to keep people safe.
As part of our Plan for Change to improve the lives of people across the country, we have pledged to build 1.5 million homes in this Parliament – helping to tackle the acute housing crisis.
People living in them must know they are safe.
We will also introduce regulations for residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (rPEEPs) as soon as possible.
This will give disabled residents an individual assessment to identify necessary equipment and adjustments to aid their fire safety and evacuation, and information to the fire and rescue service in case they need to support evacuation.
On the day Sir Martin’s report was published, the Prime Minister apologised on behalf of the British state to all the families affected by this tragedy.
And I’m deeply sorry, again, for how the country failed in its most fundamental duty – to protect its people.
The responsibility I carry, and feel, towards the Grenfell community is one of the most important parts of my job.
I understand that the Grenfell community may be frustrated. I do not blame them. The families of Grenfell have waited too long for justice. I understand their pain, and I share their determination to make sure this never happens again.
That is why we are pushing ahead with legislative reform, including the Hillsborough Law, which we will introduce in Parliament before the next anniversary of that tragedy, and will make early use of the new powers under the Procurement Act 2023 to hold organisations who have engaged in misconduct to account.
The Government will also continue to support the Metropolitan Police’s independent investigation, ensuring that those responsible for the failures leading to the tragedy face accountability.
This is not about words—it is about action. The devastation of that night is something I will never forget, and the fight for justice is something I take personally.
In turning our shock and anger into action to ensure a lasting legacy, I’m under no illusion about the scale of the task. Government cannot do it on its own – others must play their part – but we can and are holding organisations to account.
Including ourselves.
And we are using our voice and our power to apply pressure where it is needed.
We need and will achieve meaningful, transformational change.
The people of Grenfell – and the country – deserve nothing less.
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