The government has officially confirmed that Grenfell Tower will be demolished, nearly eight years after the devastating fire that claimed the lives of 72 people.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner met with campaigners earlier this week to inform them of the decision, which has been met with strong criticism from bereaved families and survivors.
The demolition is expected to take “around two years” and will be carried out “sensitively”, according to government officials.
Backlash from Bereaved Families
Campaign group Grenfell United, which represents survivors and families of the victims, has accused Rayner of “ignoring” the voices of those directly affected by the tragedy.
The June 2017 fire was Britain’s deadliest residential disaster since World War II, sparking a national outcry over building safety, social housing conditions, and corporate accountability.
A spokesperson for Grenfell United said:
“We have repeatedly asked for our voices to be heard in discussions about the future of the tower. Instead, this decision has been imposed on us, without meaningful consultation.”
Why Is Grenfell Being Demolished?
Engineering experts have determined that while Grenfell Tower remains structurally stable, its condition will deteriorate over time and there is no realistic prospect of it being brought back into use.
Concerns have also been raised over long-term safety risks if the building were left standing indefinitely.
The government has not yet announced what will replace the tower or how the site will be used to commemorate the tragedy. Discussions about a permanent memorial are ongoing, with campaigners calling for a meaningful tribute to those who lost their lives.
Public Inquiry and Accountability
The Grenfell Tower Inquiry, which has been investigating the causes of the fire, released damning findings last year, accusing construction firms of “systematic dishonesty” over the flammable cladding that led to the rapid spread of the blaze.
Despite promises of justice, no one has been held criminally accountable for the disaster, and many survivors remain in temporary accommodation, raising further anger and frustration among affected communities.
What Happens Next?
The timeline for demolition is expected to span two years, but the government has not confirmed an exact start date.
There are growing calls for a clear plan on how the site will be used in the future, with campaigners demanding that the memory of Grenfell is preserved with dignity.
Further protests and legal challenges from bereaved families are expected in the coming weeks.
More updates to follow.
