Government accused of doing ‘absolute bare minimum’ in tribute to Grenfell fire victims

Today marks two years since the Grenfell Tower fire, in which 72 people died and more than 200 people were left without a home.

Despite a commitment by the government to remove Grenfell-style cladding from hundreds of housing high-rises and bring those responsible for the fire to justice, survivors and campaigners have expressed anger at the slow pace of change.

That’s why some people were left unimpressed by parliament’s attempt to pay respect to those who lost their lives in the fire.

Last night, the Palace of Westminster was illuminated green in what can be politely described as a low effort tribute.

Or you could describe it less politely as this…

Reports today have said Grenfell-style aluminium composite material cladding has still not been removed from more than 200 buildings, despite the Grenfell inquiry receiving evidence to support claims that the highly combustible material caused the fire’s spread.

The rehousing process is also only just coming to an end, more than 700 days after the deadline Theresa May originally set for offering new homes.

Reactions to parliament’s tribute were almost unanimously negative, with many people complaining that it was nowhere near good enough.

This isn’t even the first time the government has used green lights to inappropriately highlight an important issue.

In May, Downing Street was lit green to mark the start of Mental Health Awareness Week and was met with a similarly negative response.

They say words are cheap, but maybe green lights are even cheaper.

In a statement today, Graham French, a solicitor for Russell-Cooke who is representing some of the bereaved and survivors, said:

The survivors and families understand that there are many very complex and technical issues being addressed by the Inquiry and its experts.

But they also believe that there are urgent steps which can, and should, be taken now, including a number of basic fire safety measures in high rise blocks which we say are obvious and do not need further investigation or expert evidence.

More: Theresa May is being called out by firefighters for saying her response to Grenfell was a success​