The Grenfell Tower fire, which occurred in West London on 14 June 2017, remains a deep wound for the community of North Kensington and for the nation as a whole. The tragedy claimed 72 lives and exposed systemic failings in building safety regulations, corporate accountability, and governmental oversight. As we now approach seven years since that fateful night, the community continues to seek justice and accountability. Piers Thompson, a key community figure, shared his insights into the ongoing struggle for justice and the impact on the Grenfell community.
The Night of the Fire and Its Aftermath
Piers Thompson, who runs the local Portobello Radio station and lives just metres from Grenfell Tower, was present during the horrific events of 14 June. Reflecting on that night, he shared the profound personal toll it has taken not only on the direct victims but also on the wider community. “Seeing and hearing your neighbours, friends dying in front of you was just horrific,” Thompson remarked. His personal experience underscores the lasting trauma, as he noted that members of his own family have since dealt with severe mental health challenges as a result.
The Grenfell fire was not just a catastrophe; it was a preventable disaster. Thompson recalls how the cladding—an inflammable material applied to the tower’s exterior during a refurbishment—played a critical role in the fire’s spread. As a resident and local community organiser, Thompson had already been involved in addressing concerns around redevelopment and safety issues, long before the fire occurred. The cladding was applied despite clear warnings from experts and campaigners, including the Grenfell Action Group, which had long foreseen the potential dangers.
Delays and Dissatisfaction with the Inquiry
The Grenfell Tower Inquiry, launched shortly after the fire, has taken an agonisingly long time to deliver its findings. The final report, released seven years after the fire, has left many feeling that justice has not been fully served. While the inquiry had to pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Thompson emphasised that this accounts for only two years of the delay. The remaining five years have been marked by frustrations, particularly for those who lost loved ones or were displaced by the tragedy.
Thompson spoke about the mixed reactions to the inquiry’s findings. While there is recognition of the thoroughness of the investigation, there has also been deep frustration. He noted that many members of the community viewed Martin Moore-Bick, the inquiry’s chair, as a fair leader, and Richard Millett KC, the lead counsel, was highly respected for his rigorous questioning. However, the conclusions of the report have offered little in terms of new revelations for those who have followed the inquiry closely.
One of the most damning aspects of the report was its exposure of widespread misconduct and negligence by those responsible for Grenfell’s refurbishment. Thompson highlighted the role of companies like Sellotex, Arconic, and Kingspan, which produced and supplied unsafe materials. Internal communications showed their callous disregard for safety, with some test results revealing catastrophic failures that were later hidden. “The list of people who did bad things in the run-up to the fire is extraordinary,” Thompson said, pointing to failures at every level—from government deregulation to corporate deceit.
The Role of Politics and Regulation
The fire also shone a harsh light on the wider political system and its treatment of social housing tenants. Angela Rayner, Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, recently argued for a fundamental shift in the way government treats residents in social housing. Thompson echoed this sentiment, stressing that the lack of respect for the residents of Grenfell Tower and other social housing projects was at the core of this disaster. He explained that concerns raised by Grenfell residents about refurbishment were dismissed as coming from a “rebellious faction.” This dismissive attitude contributed to the tragedy by enabling the use of unsafe materials and ignoring warnings.
The role of deregulation has also been a critical theme throughout the inquiry. The so-called “bonfire of red tape” under David Cameron’s government, aimed at reducing regulations, is seen by many as a contributing factor. Thompson cited the Building Safety Act as one of the few positive outcomes of the inquiry. However, he warned that the act itself is flawed, with poorly written legislation and unclear guidelines hampering efforts to remove unsafe cladding from buildings across the country.
Watch the full video here:
Justice Delayed, Justice Denied?
One of the most pressing questions for the community now is whether anyone will be held accountable. Thousands of buildings across the UK remain clad in unsafe materials, and there are still grave concerns about the adequacy of measures to prevent another Grenfell-like disaster. Thompson pointed out that in recent weeks, fires have broken out in similarly clad tower blocks, proving that the risk remains very real.
When asked what justice would look like for the victims, Thompson was unequivocal: “Pretty much everyone around here thinks that the only way you’re going to stop this happening again is if someone goes to jail.” Without serious consequences for those responsible, he fears that history will repeat itself. He stressed that the truth has come out, but the community needs more than just truth; they need accountability. For the survivors, the bereaved, and the wider community, justice has not yet been served.
Final Thoughts
The Grenfell Tower fire was a national tragedy that exposed deep flaws in the UK’s housing policies, corporate practices, and government oversight. While the inquiry has shed light on the systemic failures that led to the disaster, there remains a strong sense that justice is yet to be delivered. For the residents of North Kensington, the battle is far from over. As Thompson poignantly remarked, “Someone has to suffer,” not out of vindictiveness, but to ensure that no other community endures the same horror.
Sign up to the Chamber UK Newsletter here, to hear more of Chamber UK’s insights and stay up to date with our interviews.