Theresa May labelled ‘disgraceful’ by firefighter’s union over Grenfell comments
2 min read
MPs and firefighters have criticised Theresa May for citing her response to the Grenfell tragedy as part of her legacy during her resignation speech.
Mrs May said that the inquiry she launched into the blaze was proof that she wanted “to fight the burning injustices that still scar our society".
Some 72 people died after a fire broke out in Grenfell Tower in North Kensington nearly two years ago.
An inquiry was launched into the incident in September 2017, but it is not expected to be completed until the end of 2021.
Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary, said: "Many of the underlying issues at Grenfell were due to unsafe conditions that had been allowed to fester under Tory governments and a council for which Theresa May bears ultimate responsibility.
“The inquiry she launched has kicked scrutiny of corporate and government interests into the long-grass, denying families and survivors justice, while allowing business as usual to continue for the wealthy.
“For the outgoing Prime Minister to suggest that her awful response to Grenfell is a proud part of her legacy is, frankly, disgraceful.”
Emma Dent Coad, MP for Kensington, also criticised Mrs May’s comments in a statement: "From the first day of her awkward visit to Grenfell, to her last day congratulating herself for failures, Theresa May should be ashamed of her actions and lack of leadership.
"Her predecessor's 'bonfire of red tape' was responsible for the decimation of building and fire safety regulations yet she did nothing to redress this.”
The Labour MP also accused the Government of failing to make meaningful legislative changes around combustible cladding and of failing to quickly rehouse those misplaced by the fire.
She added: "The inquiry is so narrowly focused that it threatens to exonerate the perpetrators of this avoidable atrocity and may not give any recommendations.”
The Grenfell United campaign group also issued a statement claiming that the Prime Minister had not delivered change.
They said: "It's hard to think of a greater injustice in recent years than Grenfell. We were devastatingly let down by the Government before, during and after the fire.”
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