The Observer view on the Grenfell Tower inquiry: the state must pay the price for safe regulation
As the report damns corporate greed for contributing to the 72 deaths, Keir Starmer should ignore financial prudence when it comes to preventing another tragedy
Seventy-two people – 18 of them children – lost their lives in the fire at Grenfell Tower in June 2017. Many more were left traumatised and injured, displaced from their homes and thoughtlessly dumped into inadequate temporary accommodation. The final report of the official public inquiry into the fire, published last week, has one fundamental question at its heart: “How was it possible in 21st-century London for a reinforced concrete building, itself structurally impervious to fire, to be turned into a death trap that would enable fire to sweep through it in an uncontrollable way in a matter of a few hours despite what were thought to be effective regulations designed to prevent just such an event?”
The answer is set out across 1,700 pages: a litany of devastating failure after devastating failure that spans state neglect, corporate greed, regulatory capture and, ultimately, a total lack of concern not just for the residents of Grenfell, but the hundreds of thousands of people who still live in homes rendered potentially lethal by flammable cladding.
Continue reading...Date: |
-
The Guardian - World
The Guardian view on Starmer, Meloni and migration: Labour must retain its moral clarity | Editorial
The ruthless policies of Italy’s radical-right prime minister should not be seen as a role model for Keir Starmer’s government. During his first prime ministerial visit to Rome on Monday, Sir ...4 hours ago -
BBC News - Top stories
Public inquiries not delivering change, report warns
Peers call for a shake-up of the public inquiry system so it gets results for victims.21 hours ago -
BBC News - Top stories
No inquiry into gifts for Starmer's wife, say No10
The PM insisted "rules are being followed" after clothing for his wife was not initially declared.2 hours ago -
Financial Times - World
Taiwan regulator blocks hostile bank takeover to clear way for rival deal
Planned $17bn friendly tie-up between Shin Kong and Taishin would be country’s biggest financial sector merger7 hours ago -
ABC News - Top stories
A pipeline explosion sends a towering pillar of flame over Houston's suburbs
The pipeline fire forced evacuations, sparked grass fires, damaged a park.2 hours ago -
BBC News - Top stories
Mum lied to about son's Letby death probe - inquiry
A mother of a baby murdered by Lucy Letby tells an inquiry she was "kept in the dark" about her son's care.4 hours ago -
Yahoo News - World
Indonesian food regulator rejects false claim that bottled water caps' colour indicates source
14 hours ago -
NBC News - Top stories
Amazon workers must return to office full time, CEO says
Amazon is requiring its workers to return to the office full time.2 hours ago - Amazon
More from The Guardian
-
The Guardian - World
Suspect never had sight of Trump and didn’t fire shots at agent, Secret Service chief says after apparent assassination attempt - live
Acting director Ronald Rowe defends Secret Service actions and tells press conference golf club visit was unscheduled. Suspect charged as Trump accuses Biden and Harris of incitement Trump ...25 minutes ago - Donald Trump -
The Guardian - World
French rape trial to resume after Dominique Pélicot health issues
Trial of retired electrician, 71, and 50 other men had been adjourned while he was taken to hospitals for tests. The trial of Dominique Pélicot and 50 other men accused of rape will resume on ...3 hours ago - France -
The Guardian - World
Amazon mandates five days a week in office starting next year
Andy Jassy, the CEO, said in note to employees that new requirement will ‘strengthen our culture’. Amazon said on Monday it would require employees to return to the office five days a week, ...2 hours ago - Amazon -
The Guardian - World
Titan sub crew said ‘all good here’ in last text messages before implosion
US Coast Guard reveals new details about final moments onboard vessel as hearings about cause of disaster begin. Among the last words heard from the crew of an experimental submersible headed for ...25 minutes ago -
The Guardian - World
Rupert Murdoch attends court hearing in battle over future of media empire
Murdoch, 93, in Nevada for case that could determine which family members will control businesses after his death. A probate court in Nevada is set to begin reviewing evidence behind closed doors ...1 hour ago