News
Response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry
This week’s coverage of the Grenfell inquiry has been a stark reminder of how deeply upsetting the disaster was, and how so many systems failed the 72 residents who lost their lives – 15 of which were disabled. As we’re hearing, this clearly isn’t a one off failure and this tragedy could have been avoided.
“The lack of evacuation plans for disabled residents, particularly those with spinal cord injuries, is not just a failure of policy but a failure of basic safety. The Grenfell report exposed how neglecting the needs of disabled individuals in emergencies can turn a crisis into a catastrophe, leaving them without the support they need to escape life-threatening situations. This must never happen again.” Dharshana Sridhar, SIA Campaigns Manager.
“I was a councillor in an area with a high rise tower block, and the amount of times the single lift broke down was terrible. There were no plans in place to evacuate anyone, a complete disaster waiting to happen.” Glyn Hayes, SIA Parliamentary and public affairs.
“At Grenfell 15 of 72 people who lost their lives were disabled. There was/is no obligation for Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEPs) This must be nothing less than a societal soul searching of how we value life; how we value our fellow citizens.” Nik Hartley, CEO Spinal Injuries Association.
SIA want to extend our deepest sympathy to all survivors and loved ones of those affected by the tragedy. This enquiry must lead to meaningful change.
Grenfell Inquiry
The Prime Minister announced on 15 June 2017 a public Inquiry into the fire at Grenfell Tower on the night of 14 June 2017. The Grenfell Tower Inquiry will examine the circumstances leading up to and surrounding the fire.
The Inquiry is investigating a List of Issues that has been separated into two phases. Phase 1 focuses on the factual narrative of the events on the night of 14 June 2017. Hearings for Phase 1 began on 21 May 2018 and concluded on 12 December 2018. The Chairman published his Phase 1 report on 30 October 2019, the contents of which can be found here.
Phase 2 of the Inquiry examines the causes of these events, including how Grenfell Tower came to be in a condition which allowed the fire to spread in the way identified by Phase 1.