UK Government to Demolish Grenfell Tower, Angering Survivors and Bereaved Families

Deputy PM Angela Rayner announces the decision, citing safety concerns, while families demand meaningful consultation and justice for the 2017 tragedy.

The UK government has decided to demolish Grenfell Tower, where 72 people lost their lives in a 2017 fire caused by flammable cladding and construction failures.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner informed survivors and bereaved families of the decision, which many have criticized as dismissive of their input and concerns.
Survivors and advocacy groups argue the tower should remain until criminal charges are brought against those responsible for the disaster or as a memorial site.
The government cites structural safety concerns as the reason for the demolition but has faced backlash for a brief four-week consultation process that families say ignored their voices.
A September 2024 inquiry report attributed the tragedy to decades of systemic failures in safety regulations, corporate dishonesty, and government negligence, with criminal investigations ongoing until at least 2026.