How We Let Grenfell Happen
On 6th December we attended an event at London South Bank University entitled 'How We Let Grenfell Happen; Examining the causes of the tragedy and discussing how we can support the call for justice'.
Pete Apps of Inside Housing has covered and reported on the Grenfell Inquiry in depth. His powerful presentation exposed the series of events, trail of failings and the ignored warnings that led up to the fire on 14th June 2017 which killed 72 men, women and children.
From previous fires where lessons were not learned, to underhand tactics from the cladding industry to sell products that they knew did not pass fire tests, and the negligence of government officials to implement recommendations from the inquests of previous fatal fires - Pete's presentation asks - how did this not happen sooner? And how do we stop this happening again?
Pete Apps book 'Show Me The Bodies: How We Let Grenfell Happen' is recommended reading.
Remy Mohamed from the Association of Muslim Lawyers spoke about the ongoing Inquiry and how the legal system is failing people for many reasons including cuts to legal aid, exemptions to prosecutions and inquiry recommendations not being binding or enforceable. Remy spoke about Inquest; a charity focused on state related deaths who are campaigning for justice, and Claddag; a leaseholder disability action group who have crowdfunded to challenge the government over the decision not to provide evacuation plans for disabled people living in high rise buildings.
Poet and campaigner Shareefa Energy then spoke about the need for ongoing support and allies in the fight for justice and the importance of getting involved in local housing issues in your own area as part of a bigger movement for positive change within housing and communities. She shared several poems which she wrote following the disaster and from her experiences working in the community and with the survivors and bereaved.
Further events and discussions will take place with the next one being on 19th January at The Wanstead Tap, E7 0AQ. Find out more and book your place here.
