Grenfell Tower fire report - Materials risk

The report in to the Grenfell tower fire tragedy will be published today.

It will highlight many issues but the most important seem to be that fewer than 72 people might have died had the tower block been evacuated while that was still possible and that “serious shortcomings” were identified in the fire service’s response.

Inquiry chairman Martin Moore-Bick concluded that the death toll might have been lower had important decisions been made earlier.

However, the inquiry found that “principal reason” the flames consumed the building with such speed was the combustible aluminium composite material cladding with polyethylene cores which acted as a “source of fuel”.

The panels were, despite myriad warnings, added in the refurbishment of the tower before the June 2017 fire.

In a country where developers have such influence, in a country where so many contemporary buildings must be renovated to meet safety requirements this report is yet another strong argument for insisting on high building standards and an effective inspections and vindication regime.