Grenfell Tower Inquiry Blames Systematic Failures

The final report on the Grenfell Tower fire, which resulted in 72 deaths in 2017, attributes the tragedy to decades of failures by the U.K. government, regulators, and construction companies. Retired judge Martin Moore-Bick emphasized that the victims' deaths were avoidable, with systemic issues including dishonest practices by companies and regulatory incompetence leading to the use of combustible cladding that exacerbated the fire. Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed remorse on behalf of the state, stating that the incident should never have occurred and promising action on the report's recommendations. While the report provides answers for survivors, the possibility of prosecutions for corporate or individual manslaughter is uncertain and unlikely before late 2026. Survivors, like Natasha Elcock, call for justice, highlighting a legacy of institutional neglect and dishonesty. The inquiry highlights a critical need for reform in building safety regulations to prevent future tragedies.