Kensington CLP records its sorrow and horror at the Grenfell Tower fire, which we  believe to have been avoidable had the building been properly maintained.

The fire has claimed the lives of many residents and destroyed the homes and possessions of the survivors and displaced persons. We applaud the response of the local community in providing support and solace to affected families.

However, we believe the response of the Council has been totally inadequate. There has been no visible coordination of the response to the community; there has been little information offered to residents or their representatives, and it is not clear what the Council intends to do.

At the very least, the Council must commit to rehousing all survivors and displaced persons, in the borough on the same terms and conditions as before. It should also commit to giving each survivor and displaced person sufficient financial compensation for them to replace the possessions they have lost.

We therefore call on the Council to give these commitments, to take steps to keep the community fully informed, and to revise what emergency planning it has so that it can respond appropriately to any future disaster.

We fully support the efforts of the “Justice for Grenfell” campaign to achieve their objectives.

Press inquiries: Cameron Ball 07964 663710

“The terrible events of last night and this morning have devastated our community. At the time of writing this, fire services have confirmed a number of people have lost their lives as a result of the fire in the Grenfell Tower block. Our thoughts are with the family and friends who have experienced such tragic loss.

“My first priority has been to ensure that local residents affected by this tragedy are being looked after. The emergency services have worked incredibly hard throughout the night, tackling the fire and tending to those injured. They are now working closely with council staff and volunteers to set up support centres for those affected. 

“Throughout the morning, I’ve visited a number of these centres to speak with residents and volunteers, and will continue to do so throughout the day.

“The priority now is to ensure that the emergency services have every resource they need: from ensuring medicines are reaching those who need them, to providing appropriate care and support for the elderly, those with disabilities and families with young children. I will be working with the council to ensure accommodation is provided for all those who are unable to return to their homes.

“We have already seen our community coming together in the face of this tragedy. Local people have been streaming into support centres with clothes, food and other supplies to help those affected. It is at times like these that we see the very best of our community, coming together in the face of such adversity.

“I would encourage local people to follow the advice of emergency services staff, and anyone with concerns about family or friends to contact the emergency help line on 0800 0961 233.

“I will continue to be in close contact with the emergency services, the council and the Mayor’s office throughout the day, and will be working with council teams and volunteers to ensure local residents are getting every support they need.”