72 Victims’ Deaths Caused by ‘Incompetence, Dishonesty, Greed’

On September 4, a final report regarding the Grenfell Tower fire in London was released, concluding that the loss of 72 lives in the tragedy was “avoidable.” The report stated that residents were “badly failed” by those responsible for their safety and the building’s condition.

Sir Martin Moore-Bick, the retired judge who led the six-year inquiry, criticized the involved parties for a mix of “incompetence, dishonesty, and greed.” Although he noted differing levels of culpability, his comments underscored a devastating lack of accountability in the face of disaster.

The comprehensive 1,694-page document blamed both central and local government officials for “ignoring, delaying, or disregarding” the risks associated with flammable insulation cladding used in renovation projects. The report placed significant responsibility on manufacturers for “deliberately concealing” fire hazards with their products.

Sir Martin specifically pointed fingers at the Conservative government at the time and its predecessors, stating they neglected to investigate the cladding issue thoroughly. The manufacturer Arconic was also accused of keeping the dangers of its product a secret.

Insulation producers Celotex and Kingspan were highlighted for “misleading” authorities and the tenant management organization designated by the Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, which oversaw the housing project, was cited for its “indifference to fire safety,” particularly regarding vulnerable residents.

The inquiry revealed that the borough’s Tenant Management Organisation manipulated the tendering process, favoring an architect for the Grenfell refurbishment who lacked a successful track record with similar high-rise projects.

The report also characterized the architectural firm Studio E and the facade contractor Harley Facades as “incompetent” and assigned them “significant” blame for the fire’s devastating impact. Rydon, the project manager, managed the refurbishment in a way that led to a void in accountability, with no one willing to take responsibility.

The coalition government led by former Prime Minister David Cameron, which came to power in 2010 before the Grenfell upgrade commenced, was criticized for prioritizing economic recovery over safety regulations following the financial crisis, leading to serious oversights.

The inquiry further accused the London Fire Brigade of operating under “unfounded” assumptions about the unlikelihood of such a disaster and failing to have a pre-established evacuation plan. During the chaos of the fire, they instructed residents to wait for rescue, which ultimately left many without guidance once the situation spiraled out of control.

In Parliament, Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared that the tragedy should never have occurred and committed to enacting a “generational shift” in housing quality and safety standards.

“In the memory of Grenfell, we will change our country,” Starmer stated, affirming the government’s role in ensuring accountability regarding the 72 lives lost.

The Prime Minister addressed the victims’ families and survivors directly, acknowledging their immense disappointment: “You have been let down so badly—before, during, and in the aftermath of this tragedy.”

He expressed concern over the failures and missed opportunities that led to the risks associated with cladding and insulation, prompting “fundamental questions about the kind of country we are.” Starmer promised to pursue justice for the victims while pledging to hold those responsible accountable.

Additionally, when asked about potential criminal prosecutions and barring wrongdoers from future government contracts, Starmer assured that efforts would be made to ensure full accountability.

However, the Crown Prosecution Service announced that the complexity of the evidence means it is unlikely to file any charges related to Grenfell before the end of the following year.

Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also issued an apology, terming the report a “damning indictment of over 30 years of successive state failures,” labeling it a narrative of “systemic indifference, failure, dishonesty, and greed.”

He acknowledged the resilience of the survivors in their quest for the truth: “It was their tenacity and strength that brought the truth to light. We will never forget the 72 individuals who lost their lives, nor shall we forget their families and loved ones.”

The group representing survivors, known as Grenfell United, welcomed the report as a pivotal moment in the pursuit of justice and change. They commented, “Whenever there’s a clash between corporate interest and public safety, governments have done everything they can to avoid their responsibilities to keep people safe. The system isn’t broken. It was built this way.”