Boris Johnson has today vowed to ensure that the Grenfell Tower fire will ‘never be repeated’.
The message came as he marked the third anniversary of the tragedy that killed 72 people with a virtual service.
Today marks three years since the small kitchen fire in the west London high-rise turned into the most deadly domestic blaze since the Second World War.
Boris Johnson has today vowed to ensure that the Grenfell Tower fire will ‘never be repeated’. Pictured: people at the Grenfell Memorial Community Mosaic at the base of the tower block today
A woman prays beside a wall where messages of support have been written, surrounding Grenfell tower in west London
Speaking in a video message the Prime Minister said: ‘We’ve introduced stricter laws on fire safety, launched a billion-pound fund to remove dangerous cladding and created a new watchdog to protect the residents of tall buildings.’
‘We’re working to implement every recommendation made by the first phase of the public inquiry. And the second phase, while it’s been delayed by coronavirus, is slowly but surely getting to the definitive truth of how this disaster was allowed to happen.
‘I know this anniversary is particularly hard, coming at a time when so many survivors and bereaved can’t even come together to share a hug.
The Grenfell Tower fire (pictured) in 2017 claimed 72 lives and more than 70 other people were injured
Many headed to the Grenfell Memorial Community Mosaic at the base of the tower block today to leave flowers and messages of support
‘While those affected by Grenfell are not able to gather in person, I want you to know that all of us in this country are with you in spirit. You will not be forgotten. We stand with you, we weep with you and we are with you, today and always.’
The messages were relayed during a virtual service as the commemoration moved online due to coronavirus. It was hosted by the Bishop of Kensington.
The Grenfell Humanity Choir also sang during the commemorative tribute.
In tribute to each victim who died in the fire, the bells of London churches will toll 72 times and green lights will glow from tower block windows to show solidarity with survivors and the bereaved.
Many headed to the Grenfell Memorial Community Mosaic at the base of the tower block today to leave flowers and messages of support.
In tribute to each victim who died in the fire, the bells of London churches will toll 72 times and green lights will glow from tower block windows to show solidarity with survivors and the bereaved. Pictured are tributes today
Tributes are tied to the railings outside Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower in London
Meanwhile, Labour estimates there are still 56,000 people living in homes wrapped in the same flammable cladding as Grenfell.
Sir Keir said there had been ‘little justice or accountability’ for what had happened.
‘In the midst of their suffering, the Grenfell community came together to campaign for justice, safe homes and change. Because no one should ever go through the loss and pain they experienced,’ he said.
‘But three years on and, unbelievably, tonight people will go to bed in unsafe homes.
‘Three years on and there has been little justice or accountability. Three years on their campaign continues.
‘I support Grenfell United. We can all learn from their strength and determination.’
In a written statement, London Mayor Sadiq Khan said: ‘The Tower fire was a national tragedy in which 72 innocent Londoners lost their lives. Three years on, my thoughts and prayers are with the families and community as they grieve and remember their loved ones.
The Right Revd Dr Graham Tomlin, Bishop of Kensington speaks during the Grenfell anniversary commemorative tribute held in variuos locations in Britain
People stand and pay their respects in front of Grenfell tower, covered in a safety tarpaulin in west London today
‘We owe it to the people who died, their loved ones and those who survived to ensure that nothing like it ever happens again.
‘We are marking this anniversary in very different circumstances to last year, and although we are apart, I know we are united in our call for justice for Grenfell.
‘I know the bereaved, survivors, residents and wider community are understandably frustrated at the lack of meaningful change and they are fearful that a similar tragedy could happen again. I too share their concerns.
‘While struggling with their own personal grief and recovery, they have continued to campaign for building safety and are demanding change to keep others safe in their homes.
‘I will continue to be relentless in holding those responsible to account and doing everything within my power to ensure the Grenfell community gets the justice they deserve, and all Londoners can feel safe again in their homes.’
Faith leaders will conduct sermons and reflections online throughout Sunday and from 10.30pm, people in homes across the UK have been asked to shine a bright green light from their screens to show solidarity with the bereaved and survivors.
The public inquiry into the disaster was paused in March because of the pandemic and is due to restart on 6 July.