Grenfell Tower Fire | 14th June 2017

Oh right. Christ, that will be a grim job.

Aye. A colleague of mine told me how he drove past it the other night and by the look on his face you can tell it must have been chilling to see, let alone be any more involved with it.
 
Aye. A colleague of mine told me how he drove past it the other night and by the look on his face you can tell it must have been chilling to see, let alone be any more involved with it.
Converesely you've had tossers online taking smiling selfies there.
 
How can people claim this thing isn't political? It encapsulates so many of the issues of our time.

Funny how the people who slate others for taking political sides are the first to give the benefit of the doubt to the authorities involved. Forgive us for us our cynicism about those authorities' motives but we've had literally hundreds of years of 'glorious' British history from which to conclude that various ruling authorities don't give a f*ck about the rest of us except when it comes to factory, battlefield, times of crisis and the ballot box. It's bloody political, all right, and the spilled blood you try to shame us with is our own.

Or as Chris Morris put it in On The Hour, 25 years ago:
And Weekend P.M. Special tonight comes live from the besieged home of a maintenance man who will be speculatively blamed in a few hours’ time, reduced to a gibbering wreck by six months of press harassment, and found extremely responsible for everything in about a year from now, so that everyone else can carry on as if nothing had happened.

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Not sure what your saying really. Being 30 stories up isnt the same as being one floor up

Obviously, but where is the cutoff point. What about 15 or 10 storey buildings? When smoke detectors were introduced there was no requirement of a minimum of 1 per floor in residential homes
 
Converesely you've had tossers online taking smiling selfies there.

This is a phenomenon I will never understand. I was in Sydney when the siege happened in the Lindt shop and was doing some agency work in a restaurant called Prime which is a stones throw away about a week after.

I was watching people acting completely normal while they walked around the flowers and then putting on this morbid glum face for a selfie with the flowers and the shop in the background. I found the whole thing disturbing to be honest.
 
This is a phenomenon I will never understand. I was in Sydney when the siege happened in the Lindt shop and was doing some agency work in a restaurant called Prime which is a stones throw away about a week after.

I was watching people acting completely normal while they walked around the flowers and then putting on this morbid glum face for a selfie with the flowers and the shop in the background. I found the whole thing disturbing to be honest.
I'm not sure these people have the wherewithal or emotional intelligence to step back for a moment and think hard about what actually happened in that building, before they act.
 
The Ladbroke Grove disaster and King's Cross Fire both had public inquiries, investigations which produced productive and industry altering outcomes. And this is important, as an inquiry is better suited to wider ranging examinations (according to some lawyer anyway). Sadiq Khan's suggestion of an interim report is a good one, as it will provide important answers for the victims.


It's just an observation, from your posts on this and in general. It comes across like the console wars shite... I'm not in here to engage in debates about who to blame, tbh I'm looking at general info about the fire.

An observation that i don't look at things like a human being, real nice of you.
 
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The Ladbroke Grove disaster and King's Cross Fire both had public inquiries, investigations which produced productive and industry altering outcomes. And this is important, as an inquiry is better suited to wider ranging examinations (according to some lawyer anyway). Sadiq Khan's suggestio of an interim report is a good one, as it provide important answers for the victims.
They're also a great way for officials to avoid responsibility and not answer for their failings, push the issue years down the line then water down or totally ignore the recommendations.
 
Yep that seems to be the case. :(

That's what people said the Iraq Enquiry would be.

Here is an alternative take

https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/t...to-demand-inquest-not-inquiry/5061588.article

McKay said a public inquiry, under the Public Inquiry Act 2005, 'will almost certainly' be chaired by an independent judge. Victims and other interest groups will be 'core participants' and can be represented by lawyers. Their lawyers can, under the Public Inquiry Rule, ask questions of any witness subject to the chair's permission.

An inquest has a narrow frame of reference, McKay said. The deaths at Grenfell Tower will likely qualify as article 2 inquests, which have a wider frame of reference.

McKay added: 'Contrary to the commentator's views last night advocates don't "cross-examine" witnesses as an inquest is inquisitorial by nature. Advocates and other interested persons can ask relevant questions. There is no requirement on the part of the witness to answer a question that might incriminate them.

'An inquest may also avoid areas likely to be the subject of a criminal investigation. Importantly an inquest cannot apportion blame - in terms of civil of criminal liability - that is not the function of an inquest. Unlike a public inquiry. Caution should be exercised by those thinking an inquest is a panacea... I'm not saying public inquiries are not without difficulties but the idea they are an attempt to divert accountability is deeply flawed.'

https://twitter.com/simonmckay?lang=en
 
They're also a great way for officials to avoid responsibility and not answer for their failings, push the issue years down the line then water down or totally ignore the recommendations.

Why not wait and see..
 
The Ladbroke Grove disaster and King's Cross Fire both had public inquiries, investigations which produced productive and industry altering outcomes. And this is important, as an inquiry is better suited to wider ranging examinations (according to some lawyer anyway). Sadiq Khan's suggestio of an interim report is a good one, as it provide important answers for the victims.
They're also a great way for officials to avoid responsibility and not answer for their failings, push the issue years down the line then water down or totally ignore the recommendations.
I agree that there is obviously that risk, Silva, but it is true that plenty of public inquiries have resulted in substantive change.

The more I think about it, although I understand the calls for an inquest, I can't shake the concern that it could turn into a bit of a circus. Are sometimes uneducated, grief-stricken relatives best placed to cross-examine someone on the interpretation of building regulation?

While you can obviously under their anger, it could easily descend into chaos. If a good independent inquiry can be done and pinpoint any criminal culpability that should be prosecuted vigorously, that in itself is surely not a bad outcome, as such?
 
I agree that there is obviously that risk, Silva, but it is true that plenty of public inquiries have resulted in substantive change.

The more I think about it, although I understand the calls for an inquest, I can't shake the concern that it could turn into a bit of a circus. Are sometimes uneducated, grief-stricken relatives best placed to cross-examine someone on the interpretation of building regulation?

While you can obviously under their anger, it could easily descend into chaos. If a good independent inquiry can be done and pinpoint any criminal culpability that should be prosecuted vigorously, that in itself is surely not a bad outcome, as such?
Both will likely find that no one is personally responsible, but an inquiry coming to that conclusion will be a slap in the face. And will hark back to other (attempted) cover ups.

Descending into a circus seems worth it, really. And it's not like we need the inquiry to say don't use flammable materials and install sprinklers, we know that from other similar disasters here and abroad.

Why not wait and see..
Because that could take years. People want answers now, not reports at some point in the future.
 
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Obviously, but where is the cutoff point. What about 15 or 10 storey buildings? When smoke detectors were introduced there was no requirement of a minimum of 1 per floor in residential homes
The regulations are already in place if you don't know

Regulations in England mean that only buildings constructed since 2007 and which are taller than 30m are required to have sprinklers fitted. This requirement wasn't applied retroactively so did not apply to Grenfell Tower, which was built in 1974.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-40293035

Not sure what the problem is with having regulations.
 
Because that could take years. People want answers now, not reports at some point in the future.

What are you looking for, a scapegoat? It takes time to get to the bottom of these things and the best choice is to be patient. There are likely a multitude of reasons it happened and they all need to be considered and investigated. The best outcome is for lessons to be learned, not for the mob to be able to pin it all solely on one person or decision. That doesn't help anyone.
 
Both will likely find that no one is personally responsible, but an inquiry coming to that conclusion will be a slap in the face. And will hark back to other (attempted) cover ups.

Descending into a circus seems worth it, really. And it's not like we need the inquiry to say don't use flammable materials and install sprinklers, we know that from other similar disasters here and abroad.


Because that could take years. People want answers now, not reports at some point in the future.
Unpalatable as it may sound, it doesn't sound like any laws have been broken. It's more a failure of process and regulation.
Surely the inquiry will call for tighter controls on cladding and sprinkler usage though. Seems utterly bizarre that a cladding material that is flammable can be used legally. And that anyone would either make or buy one tbh.
As Nick said, it's just extremely sad and frustrating that it takes a tragedy to enact change, much as with aviation. In an ideal world, regulation would be preventative rather than reactive.
 
So people living in new blocks are safer, so to me people shouldn't still be living in the old blocks.
One problem is the fact it isn't retrospective regulation, so thousands kf blocks don't have to abide by it.
Indeed, the thread I was replying to was this
There is neglect in fire regulations in general. And fire regulation were no better under a Labour government . But this argument is being specified it only happen because its poor people living in a rich area. Look at the fires that happen in Dubai, billion pound buildings that were caddling related.
But no one died, because sprinklers
Thats a different issue, should you and i have sprinklers in our homes as well, how smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are required?
Not sure what your saying really. Being 30 stories up isnt the same as being one floor up
Obviously, but where is the cutoff point. What about 15 or 10 storey buildings? When smoke detectors were introduced there was no requirement of a minimum of 1 per floor in residential homes
The regulations are already in place if you don't know


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-40293035

Not sure what the problem is with having regulations.
The regulations for sprinklers are already there, just need to be brought in retrospectively.
 
What exactly does Sadiq Khan do
The regulations are already in place if you don't know


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-40293035

Not sure what the problem is with having regulations.

Im aware of the regulations, but you might get people living a 25m block where there are no requirements for sprinklers and a similar thing happens, and then the same questions will come up. Regulations are ever changing, and sadly things like this need to happen for improvements. There was no such requirement when the block was built in the first place and so its not like it something that was ignored for 40 years
 
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Converesely you've had tossers online taking smiling selfies there.

I couldn't get my head around people doing that at the twin towers memorial site when I went a few years back. So distasteful and an illuminating window into the narcissism that's all around us.
 
I imagine that in a city like London, space is a huge problem which is probably at the heart of this safety hazard tragedy. In my hometown they moved people blocks by blocks, they built dozens of new buildings who were smaller, prettier, safer and better situated, and then destroyed the old building to replace with new ones.
 
Looks like May's finally starting to take more control

Earlier today I met with victims of the Grenfell Tower tragedy and the volunteers and community leaders who are working so hard to help people rebuild their lives.

I wanted to listen to their concerns and reassure them personally that Government is there for them – and that everything possible will be done to help them through the hugely difficult days, weeks, months and years to come.

The response of the emergency services, NHS and the community has been heroic.

But, frankly, the support on the ground for families who needed help or basic information in the initial hours after this appalling disaster was not good enough.

I have heard the concerns and I have ordered immediate action across the board to help victims’ relatives and the survivors.

People lost everything in the fire and were left in only the clothes they were wearing.

I can confirm that a £5million emergency fund that I announced yesterday is now being distributed on the ground so people can buy clothes, food and other essentials. If more funding is required, it will be provided.

Residents rightly want to know when new housing will be provided. I have fixed a deadline of three weeks for everybody affected to be found a home nearby. I have today requested daily progress reports.

There have been huge frustrations that people do not know who to talk to, that they can’t get through on the council hotlines.

I have ordered that more staff be deployed across the area, wearing high visibility clothing, so they can easily be found, dispense advice and ensure the right support is provided. Phone lines will have more staff.

Victims have concerns their voice will not be heard, that their many questions about this tragedy will not be answered.

That is why I ordered a Public Inquiry, with the costs for providing victims with legal representation met by Government.

The inquiry will be open and transparent. Government and ministers will cooperate fully. I anticipate the name of the judge will be announced within the next few days and that an open meeting will be held with residents to help shape the terms of reference.

It has been decided today that the public inquiry will report back to me personally. As Prime Minister, I will be responsible for implementing its findings.

Understandably, those living in similar high rise blocks to Grenfell Tower also want answers.

I have ordered councils to complete urgent safety checks on all these buildings. If any further action is required, it will be taken.

After something this traumatic, many people will be in need of not just financial support, but also counselling. NHS London will provide that support.

I can also announce that NHS London will provide specialist long-term bereavement support for the families who have lost loved ones, and immediate psychological support is being provided by Cruise and Red Cross.

If other issues become apparent – if the victims need more help and support – I will make sure it is forthcoming.

The fire at Grenfell Tower was an unimaginable tragedy for the community, and for our country. My Government will do whatever it takes to help those affected, get justice and keep our people safe.
 
All sounds fair enough, just a bit slow in her response.

Its how she operates. Sky news guest was saying earlier this is how she deals with tragedies and incidents. She doesn't do these public visits but private ones without fanfare or the high profile visits.

The fact she spent over 2 hours today with residents, victims and volunteers wont get reported much by the ones condemning her.
 
Its how she operates. Sky news guest was saying earlier this is how she deals with tragedies and incidents. She doesn't do these public visits but private ones without fanfare or the high profile visits.

The fact she spent over 2 hours today with residents, victims and volunteers wont get reported much by the ones condemning her.
For a politician she seem rather shy or private, which is rather strange for a politician.
 
Its how she operates. Sky news guest was saying earlier this is how she deals with tragedies and incidents. She doesn't do these public visits but private ones without fanfare or the high profile visits.

The fact she spent over 2 hours today with residents, victims and volunteers wont get reported much by the ones condemning her.
Blimey. Is it too late to give her a fecking bravery award in the birthday honours list?
 
Crap politician and prime minister aside, I honestly do wonder what else May is supposed to be doing right now in some people's eyes.

What would Corbyn have done differently had he found himself in number 10 this week? Sent in the bailiffs to illegally knock down the doors of some Kensington mansions?
Well I think he would have met the victims involved alot sooner and would have released that statement sooner.
 
Crap politician and prime minister aside, I honestly do wonder what else May is supposed to be doing right now in some people's eyes.

What would Corbyn have done differently had he found himself in number 10 this week? Sent in the bailiffs to illegally knock down the doors of some Kensington mansions?

He wanted to forcibly take possession of unoccupied foreign owned apartments I think it was.
 
Its how she operates. Sky news guest was saying earlier this is how she deals with tragedies and incidents. She doesn't do these public visits but private ones without fanfare or the high profile visits.

The fact she spent over 2 hours today with residents, victims and volunteers wont get reported much by the ones condemning her.
It's largely down to how unnatural she seems to find being warm, I guess.
 
The problem with May, for me, isn't necessarily the fact that she's quite shy or lacking in strength; I think it's quite possible to have an effective leader who works behind the scene and is better at compromise and governance.

The problem with May is that she's spent an entire election campaign building herself up as a figure of strength and solidarity; when she's actually been called upon to live up to that reputation in a time of tragedy when people need her to, she's spectacularly failed. Her private visit was cowardly and the way she almost ran back to her vehicle yesterday, terrified to even glimpse at any members of the public, was telling. She doesn't understand the concept of someone angrily opposing her and perhaps having a point, and that's incredibly problematic. Had she taken the time to speak to people she'd have probably gotten torrents of abuse, but then any of that abuse pales in comparison to the suffering of the victims.