Build new homes, but make sure that they are safe homes.
The FBU’s General Secretary, Matt Wrack has appealed to Labour to tackle the lack of regulation that led to the disaster, and to hold those responsible accountable.
Labour has pledged to build 1.5million homes in its first term.
Wrack said: “The Grenfell Tower fire was a crime committed by politicians and corporations on residents they were supposed to protect.
‘Crime of deregulation’: FBU leader Matt Wrack
“Those responsible must be held accountable. But fundamentally, Grenfell was caused by a lack of regulation and oversight by ministers.”
One of the housing ministers in the time leading up to the Grenfell Tower fire was Gavin Barwell, who from 2010 to 2017 was the Conservative MP for Croydon Central. Barwell was among several Tory ministers who failed to respond to warnings from parliamentary colleagues of the serious dangers from flammable external cladding being retro-fitted to high-rise council housing stock.
Wrack said: “The Tories have failed to implement adequate safety measures and continue to leave many thousands of high-rise residents at risk.
“The next Labour Government must end the crime of deregulation, with proper standards and oversight of building materials, design and evacuation plans. The fire service must be given the resources it needs for a programme of enforcement and inspection.
“Promises to build homes are welcome – but they must be safe.”
Read more: Officials knew dangers of cladding 15 years before Grenfell
Read more: Grenfell inquiry set to quiz Barwell over ignored warnings
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