The government has been accused of “ignoring” the voices of people who lost family in the Grenfell Tower tragedy in its decision to demolish the building.
Grenfell United, which represents some bereaved and survivors, criticised the government’s conduct as “disgraceful and unforgiveable”.
The news was announced in a meeting attended by deputy prime minister Angela Rayner on Wednesday night.
Grenfell United said: “Angela Rayner could not give a reason for her decision to demolish the tower.
“She refused to confirm how many bereaved and survivors had been spoken to in the recent, short four-week consultation.
“But judging from the room alone – the vast majority of whom were bereaved – no one supported her decision. But she claims her decision is based on our views.”
“(The) meeting showed just how upset bereaved and survivors are about not having their views heard or considered in this decision.
“Ignoring the voices of bereaved on the future of our loved ones’ gravesite is disgraceful and unforgiveable.”
The government said the decision is a “deeply personal matter” for people affected by the tragedy and that Ms Rayner is “committed to keeping their voice at the heart of this”.
Concerns have been raised over how many people were consulted over the decision
It has been almost eight years since 72 people died in the Grenfell Tower disaster, the UK’s deadliest residential fire since the Second World War.
There have been discussions over the years about how best to commemorate the tragedy for the decades to come.
Engineering experts have said that while the tower remains stable, and it is safe for people to live, work and study nearby, its condition will worsen over time and there is no realistic prospect of bringing it back into use.
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Angela Rayner met with relatives and survivors. File pic: PA
Grenfell Next of Kin, which represents some of the bereaved families, described the move to demolish the building as a “deeply sensitive decision… after a thorough engagement process in person” following an “uncomfortable conversation with uncomfortable truths”.
In a statement on X the group said: “The lack of closure, the continuous discussions and consultations, the retraumatisation of a divisive and painful debate brings nothing to the table except pain and further division.
“We want a discussion about what will go in the Tower’s place so it can be seen and remembered forever. We need to reimagine a future and rebuild our broken shattered lives and our families.”
A wall of condolences close to the tower block. Pic: Reuters
Councillor Elizabeth Campbell, leader of Kensington and Chelsea Council, said the future of Grenfell Tower is a decision for the government.
“We know this will be a difficult moment for bereaved family members, survivors and the immediate local community. It’s vital that the government works closely with those affected to understand their concerns and move forward with the decision.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said: “The priority for the deputy prime minister is to meet with and write to the bereaved, survivors and the immediate community to let them know her decision on the future of the Grenfell Tower.
“This is a deeply personal matter for all those affected, and the deputy prime minister is committed to keeping their voice at the heart of this.”
In September last year, the public inquiry into Grenfell found “systematic dishonesty” contributed to the horrific fire.
Inquiry chairman Sir Martin Moore-Bick said the “simple truth” was all the deaths were avoidable and that those who lived in the tower were “badly failed” by authorities “in most cases through incompetence but, in some cases, through dishonesty and greed”.
The report laid bare years of missed opportunities to prevent the catastrophe and how those responsible for fire safety were at risk of being compromised by commercial interests.
The Metropolitan Police said last year decisions on criminal charges for the blaze are not expected until the end of 2026.