Bereaved families furious at decision to topple Grenfell

Group lashes out at Angela Rayner over unforgivable’ move

- ARCHIE MITCHELL KATE DEVLIN

Angela Rayner’s decision to demolish the charred remains of Grenfell Tower has been branded “disgraceful and unforgivable” by bereaved families of the tragedy.

The deputy prime minister met with families and survivors of the fire on Wednesday night to tell them its remains would be demolished, with the tower expected to be replaced by a memorial.

The decision comes despite previous government assurances that no changes would be made to the site before the eighth anniversary of the disaster, which claimed 72 lives, this June.

Grenfell United, which represents some of the bereaved and survivors of the June 2017 fire, claimed the voices of many loved ones had been ignored. The group said it had repeatedly urged housing secretaries over the years to “consult the bereaved and survivors meaningfully before reaching a decision on the tower”.

But in a damning statement responding to the decision, the group said: “Angela Rayner could not give a reason for her decision to demolish the tower. She refused to confirm how many bereaved and survivors had been spoken to in the recent, short four-week consultation. But judging from the room alone – the vast majority of whom were bereaved – no one supported her decision. But she claims her decision is based on our views.”

Sir Keir Starmer refused to be drawn on the decision, saying that Ms Rayner will set out the full details today. But he said: “I went to the tower last year and was really struck by the significance of what I saw and talking to some of the families as well.”

Asked if he ignored families of the victims of the Grenfell Tower disaster over a decision to demolish the building, Sir Keir added: “I think first and foremost we do need to always have in our mind’s eye the victims in this terrible, terrible tragedy.”